When human contact is limited, or circumstances force you and your partner to be apart, it can be hard to feel close and connected. And, as humans, being connected is something we crave.
While a virtual date is never going to be quite the same as a date in person (hello, physical touch love language), you’re bound to have an amazing time regardless if you’re prepped with a fun activity and paired with a crackin’ companion.
But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Here are nine simple and fun virtual date activities to get you started…
Play games online together
If you and your partner both have a shared love of video games, then get your consoles switched on and venture into a co-op game together. Whether you’re working on Rainbow Six tactics, fending off zombies in World War Z, or ghost hunting on Phasmaphobia, you’re sure to work out just how compatible you really are together. Because, let’s face it, only a really strong couple can come out of the Warzone in top spot.
Dig out some old school board games
Not one for games consoles? Fear not, because that doesn’t mean you can’t spend a competitive night together. Figure out which board games you have in common, and dig them out for a nostalgic night of Battleships, Guess Who or maybe even a spot of chess! Just make sure you’re moving your opponent’s figures honestly… we don’t want any arguments! 😉
Have a movie night
Whether you’re looking for love in Hull or dabbling in a spot of Derbyshire dating, a movie night is always an old faithful date idea. Get comfortable on your own sofas, decide on a film, grab your remote, and then three, two, one – play! (Or if you wanna get really precise with your play time, use something like Netflix Party!)
Netflix and chill
One for the long distance couples or those of you that are ready to take your dates up a notch. Because yes. I mean that Netflix and chill. Stick a film on – preferably one you know you can both deal with missing – and get comfortable. Start with the niceties, and then bring a mutual masturbation sesh to your virtual date. We’re only human, after all. If you really want to feel connected, throw an app-controlled sex toy into the mix!
Start a book club for two
Choose a good book you can both get lost in, and catch up throughout the week to discuss each twist and turn nestled within its pages. If your schedules differ massively and you can’t read at the same pace, why not instead thinking about swapping you favourite titles with one another and discuss those instead?
Have a drunken dance party
There’s nothing to bring a night of fun and a smile to the face quite like a losing all inhibitions and dancing away to your favourite music. Team it with good company and you’ve got a recipe for a great evening. Get on a video calls, perhaps neck some shots (why not, eh?) and then take it in turns to choose your favourite dancing tunes. Bonus points if you set up some disco lights, too.
Cook a meal “together”
Decide on a recipe together, prop your phones up somewhere in the kitchen, and FaceTime each other while whipping up a tasty dish. Or potentially a disaster of a dish, if you’re anything like me. Not only does it make for a fun evening getting messy in the kitchen, but you both get to settle down afterwards with your grub and a glass of wine, chatting the night away.
Get artsy while video chatting
Dig out your arts supplies and set up your camera for a video chat. Whether you opt for a in depth art and craft session together or decide on a silly evening of pictionary, you can get your creative juices flowing all while having a laugh and some good conversation… and maybe even a little competition.
Gab the night away
Why not keep things really old school and pick up the phone for a chinwag? There’s no better way of knowing whether you’re connecting with someone than figuring out if you can simply talk for hours without getting bored. Recount your day’s activities, tell each other past anecdotes, talk about random shit through the early hours, or even let it slip into a cheeky little bit of phone sex.
There you have it. Nine easy date ideas to get you through lockdown or add some spice to a long distance relationship. What are your favourite virtual date ideas?