The Coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on everyone and everything in 2020. From our work lives to our time with friends and family, each of us has had to make personal sacrifices that put our mental health, happiness and peace of mind at risk. Romantically, the harsh realities of this year are no different.
In one of the most difficult times to meet and bond with people in recent memory, many of us struggle to find ways to have dates with our romantic partners. Whether you’re a party animal, a couch potato or somewhere in between, we all have to accept the reality that right now is a really difficult time to find, grow and nurture in-person relationships. But does that mean that ALL kinds of dating have to wait?
At Modamily, we are passionate about matching people together who share the same hopes, dreams and aspirations when it comes to finding love and having a family. Inspired by this pursuit, we have created a list of ways for you and your partner to strengthen your connection, explore your hobbies and, most importantly, have fun!
Without further ado, here are a few great ideas for dating during COVID-19.
So you can’t meet your partner for dinner because one, or both, of you needs to quarantine alone. Here’s what you do:
First, find a food or meal that both of you like (and can make!). Whether it’s tacos, salads or even frozen pizzas, get the ingredients you need to make a delicious meal that you can enjoy.
Next, plan a day and time for your dinner date. Whether you’re early birds or night owls, one of the nice things about the “quarantine dinner” is that there are no rules!
If you want to luxuriate and have a three hour, multi-course meal, there’s no rush. If you want to have a junk food night, or try a meal from a culture you’re excited to explore, those are great options too. Regardless of what you choose to eat, the point is that you have an opportunity to bond with your partner in both the preparation and eating of the meal.
Now comes the (potentially) hard part: making the meal. As we said earlier, make sure it’s something you can actually successfully prepare, so that the experience can be enjoyable rather than stressful.
On that same note, make sure you facetime throughout your prep and cooking. One of the joys of making a joint meal is collaborating with your partner on spices, cooking time(s), presentation and more. You will find yourself bonding with your current or potential significant other no matter what you eat or how easy/difficult it might be to make.
Last but not least comes everyone’s favorite step: eating! Sit down in front of your phone, computer or other device and break bread with one another. Relish the meal as you talk about your day, your life, your interests or whatever brings you and your partner together. This part should be fun and easy.
Note: If you and your partner enjoy similar types of drinks, you can research wines or even mixed drinks to pair with your meal. This is a great way to enhance your meal and unwind with your SO.
Maybe you can’t cuddle on the couch and watch your favorite show together, but that doesn’t mean you have to hold off (or cheat!) on the next binge-worthy season.
From the Google Chrome Netflix Party extension to group-friendly streaming hosts like Rabbit, it’s easier than ever to replicate the experience of watching a show together after a long day. Thanks to modern technology, you and your SO can watch the same show at the same time without annoying lags or long load times.
Whether you want to stream The Office for the eighth time or finally watch Tiger King, this is an awesome way to spend time and bond together without feeling the pressure of carrying on a conversation. If you do wanna talk during the show, that’s great, and if not, you can both feel the comfort of enjoying a laugh, a gasp or a tearjerker, all of which can be great for growing closer together.
It can be difficult to know each other’s taste, particularly in the early stages of a relationship, so we recommend that you are open and willing to explore the content that interests and excites your partner. Even if something seems foreign or mundane, have some faith and give it a shot!
Speaking of visual entertainment, the pandemic has created an almost entirely new wave of live, online entertainment.
For history and art buffs, there are virtual museum tours, galleries, Q&As with prominent sculptors, painters and historians and even walkthroughs of historical locations across the globe. At a time when the artistic and historical preservation community is especially hurting, this is a great opportunity to support important industries and appreciate art and history with your partner.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, the worlds of improv, theater and stand up comedy await you! From virtual improv shows put on by beloved groups like The Groundlings to stand up sets live on Zoom, there are more ways to find laughs than ever before. This is another great chance to support artists, particularly struggling ones, who need our help and inspiration just like we need the smiles they give us.
Even podcasts and radio shows, often things many of us used to enjoy after their taping, have turned into live recordings in order to interact and entertain fans. As you already know, there are podcasts about basically any topic you can imagine, so it should be easy for you and your partner to find one(s) you enjoy!
Just as with recorded entertainment, we recommend you push yourself here to meet your partner in the middle. If you love a comedian or podcast, recommend it, but also be open to what your partner is excited about. One of the best ways to show someone you care about them is to show your passion for their interests, and this is a great (and fun) way to do that.
While many high school and college students nationwide have been begrudgingly forced to take online classes in 2020, this doesn’t mean there aren’t still a plethora of fun, online courses for adults!
From local universities to companies like Masterclass, there are literally thousands of classes that are free, or relatively inexpensive, for you and your partner to enroll in. If the meal you two made didn’t turn out too great, you can try a cooking class! If you found the museum tours and the surplus of free time inspired the artist within you, you can both sample a painting course!
The options are endless, and learning together is a great way to deepen your bond in a relationship. Pick a subject you’ve always wanted to try, or an area you’ve always wanted to improve, and include your partner in your experience! It’s not important what the subject is, just that the two of you can find enjoyment in the growth of education.
At Modamily, we are dedicated to helping you start the family of your dreams. Our team of experts is excited and ready to help you start the life you’ve always wanted, and the journey can begin sooner than you might think. You don’t need to put your dream of starting a family on hold. You can start the getting to know you process RIGHT NOW and start developing that trust and rapport every co-parenting partnership needs to successfully raise children together. When the day comes you can meet in person, you’ll already have a huge head start!
Sign up for a consultation and take the first step on your path to Modamily.