Social distancing while dating or virtual dating is the new normal. For those who want to stay connected to a crush or love interest, a webcam call is the safest option. This is the season when all the singles start looking good, preparing to meet someone to date. Ladies bring out the sundresses showing off their curves, and men wear tank tops showing off their muscles. In the spring, we were used to seeing someone attractive on a Saturday at brunch or a lounge. That has all changed since this horrific, COVID-19 pandemic. We can’t go out and do the fun things we are used to doing. But not all is lost. Dating is still an option. Whether you met someone before or after the stay at home order, you can again feel connected to each other in separate spaces.
Ten Virtual Dating Ideas |Social Distancing while Dating
- Organize a virtual Netflix and chill date
- Happy hour online
- Plan a virtual dinner date
- Get your workout on
- Have a Wednesday night bible study
- Play a game
- Draw a picture of each other
- Go to church
- A pajama and ice cream party
- Virtually Plan your next vacation
Organize a virtual Netflix and chill date
The phrase ‘Netflix and Chill’ came about a few years ago when young singles would invite the other person over to watch a Netflix movie for the first date. The wholesome women saw this as a problem. It was a way for a guy to get to know you without having to pay for anything. Also, it is considered as an invitation for casual sex. Well, a virtual Netflix and chill date is the only option. You can watch a good movie without getting sexually involved too early.
Netflix just added some great shows and movies to their collections. While scrolling through social media, I noticed that Ozark and Tiger King are trending shows. Self Made, the story inspired by Madam CJ Walker, is an excellent watch for both men and women, including classics such as The Players Club and Paid in Full.
You can either call your date via Facetime, Zoom, or Skype for a virtual fun and innocent evening of NetFlix and Chill.
If neither of you is subscribed to Netflix, you can use Prime, Hulu, or YouTube.
Happy hour online
I live for a good happy hour. My fondness for the 6-9 pm events with half-priced drinks and appetizers came about when I lived in Washington DC. While studying at Georgetown University, I and my classmates or friends would hit our favorite bar in Dupont Circle. Venting about a rigorous assignment and our daily lives, we would have a $5 glass of wine with nachos. As a native of Atlanta with an endless love for the city, I must say that DC has the best happy hour. You can bring that same vibe on a virtual date in your living room.
Thankfully the liquor stores are still open, so grab your favorite wine or liquor for a good cocktail. Grab your favorite finger food or snack and call your boo on a webcam software of your choice and get to know each other. Talk about your ideal vacation destination. Discuss how the pandemic has positively affected your life. Vent about how the virus makes you feel. Have fun and drink responsibly, even though you’re at home. You can also do this with a virgin beverage.
Plan a virtual dinner date
I love food, and I love to eat, which is why I do not mind a dinner date as a first outing. Whether you decide to cook or grab takeout, virtually enjoy your favorite dish. Tell each other why it is your favorite food. My favorite food is Jamaican food, curried goat, to be exact. I would share my experience studying abroad in Jamaica at the University of West Indies and immersing myself in the culture. I liked Jamaican food before traveling there, but after learning more about the recipes and history, I fell in love with it even more.
There is a story behind every dish. Some people like macaroni and cheese because their mom or a close family member makes it. No matter what the story is, share it with your date and use it as a way to get to know one another.
Get your workout on
Don’t put on an extra 20 to 30 pounds just because you cannot leave the house. Organize a workout space at home to get your workout on. In that same space, call your date for a virtual exercise session sharing your favorite workout routines. Whether it is yoga, cardio, or weight lifting, do it while social distancing and staying fit.
Have a Wednesday night bible study
These days, we need Jesus in the midst, even on a virtual date. A bible study session is a perfect 6 pm date on a Wednesday night. The bible app is a great source for inspirational discussions and bible verses. Take the time out to study God’s word while bonding with your mate.
Play a game
There are plenty of game apps available on these smartphones. Anagrams, a word scrabble game, is my favorite because it is a great brain stimulant. I usually play it with my companion who lives in another state, and it gets very competitive at times. Competition is fun, especially if you’re playing against someone you like. If you lose, you may not hold it against them. Word Hunt, Chess, and Checkers are also fun games to play on a virtual date.
Draw a picture of each other
Get on FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype and draw a picture of each other. You do not need the skills of Picasso to do this. This is an opportunity to break the ice and be creative. Laugh at how bad one drawing is and give a thumbs up to a good one. If both pictures are wicked, lacking artistic skills is a trait you both share. It is good to have at least one thing in common.
Go to church
Invite each other to a church service outside of the sanctuary. Many pastors are streaming online, and if either of you has a favorite, invite your date to listen. You can dress in your Sunday’s best to make it more of a reality. I am sure a lot of you miss sitting on a church pew with your mates, but turn your couch into a bench and praise the Lord.
A pajama party and ice cream party
Put on your favorite PJ’s, grab your favorite pint of ice cream for a pajama and ice cream party. My favorite is Jeni’s brambleberry crisp, and I can finish a pint in one night. Ice cream symbolizes love, luck, and success in your life. Even though you are stuck in the house, there are still traces of love, luck, and prosperity around you. Anytime I eat my favorite flavor of the tasty treat, I feel happy inside. You can have that same happiness on a date while social distancing.
Virtually plan your next vacation
I was very disappointed to find out my summer vacation to Europe was canceled this year due to COVID-19. Paris and London were the destinations, and it was going to be a trip of a lifetime. Well, the Coronavirus will not let me or anyone else be great right now or in the next few months. However, there is still next year. While flights are cheap, virtually plan your next vacation with your date. Talk about the place that is on your bucket list and create an itinerary with sightseeing and food tastings. It will give you both something to look forward to.
Here is a bit of advice
Do not catch feelings if you just met this person. I say this because this pandemic puts most of us in a vulnerable state. Just because someone seems to like you now, does not mean that they will love you once normal activities are an option again. There are a lot of singles who just need someone to talk to, and that is okay. That is the point of dating. If your COVID-19 virtual fling blossoms, then good. If not, that is okay too. Just have fun and enjoy the moment while practicing social distancing.
Are you interested in virtual dating?
