5 Virtual Date Ideas to Keep the Spark Alive

With the circuit breaker measures due to COVID-19, Shermaine Chua brainstorms virtual dating ideas for lovesick couples, while practising social distancing.

PHOTO CREDIT | SHERMAINE CHUA

Not even a virus can stop love and affection. Thankfully, social distancing is made easier with technology; you can connect with your bae simply with the touch of a button. 

Here's to five ideas that will keep you both connected no matter the distance.

1. Dinner date over the screen

An illustration of a couple having a dinner date over a video call. PHOTO CREDIT | THE ATLANTIC

Just because you can’t go out for dinner dates doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy good food together!

You and your bae can order food for each other. Wouldn’t that be such a romantic gesture? 

“It is nice and sweet to order for each other like it is a surprise,” says Mr Daryl Ng, 19, a student who is practising social distancing with his girlfriend during the circuit breaker.

He added: “my girlfriend and I decided to dress up formally—in suit and tie, and hers in a dress.” That’s cute, isn’t it!

Make each dinner date worthwhile by talking about your relationship.

“Talk about what you miss about each other, plan about your next activities together when you can finally be together again and what do you love about your partner,” said Ms Cindy Leong, a Chief Relationship Coach and the Co-Founder of Relationship Studio and Divine Connect, through an email interview.

She added: “be sure to insert meaningful moments, for example, check out on his/her work today or find out one more things about each other.”

2. Game Together

Christine Davitt, left, and her partner having a virtual date in Animal Crossing. PHOTO CREDIT | THE GUARDIAN

Whether you and your bae are hardcore PC gamers or casual mobile gamers, online games are an ideal way to connect over the distance.

According to a data from OkCupid, an online dating site, more than 20,000 respondents indicate that doing some shared activity like a game is their ideal virtual date.

There are plenty of online games to play together. Popular games like Animal Crossing, Minecraft, Sims and ZEPETO have features that allow you to plan, build and go on a virtual date together.

Got a PlayStation or a Nintendo Switch? They have many co-op games like Overcooked. Those could be really exciting for couples and build your co-working skills!

3. Movie date

Platforms like Zoom, Skype and Discord allow you to share screen and watch videos at the same time. Why not make use of this function to watch a movie together? Meanwhile, you can see each other on the screen. 

“I feel as if we are with each other,” said Ms Melody Quek, 18, a student who often uses the screen-share function to watch K-dramas and YouTube with her boyfriend during the circuit breaker.

A couple bonding and spending time together by watching a movie on Netflix Party, over the distance during the circuit breaker. PHOTO CREDIT | SHERMAINE CHUA

If you both have Netflix, you can use their Party feature. The Netflix Party is a Chrome extension that allows you to sync up your Netflix viewing and chat on the side.

For a more immediate and engaging experience, connect with your bae using platforms like Discord while you watch.

4. Workout together

A lady doing workout with her partner over the screen. PHOTO CREDIT | SHERMAINE CHUA

It is often said that couples who sweat together, stay together – even virtually.

Prepare your summer body with those no-equipment home workouts. There are plenty of free online workout videos for you to get fit. 

Chloe Ting’s workout challenge has received a lot of attention since the days of social distancing began. Dare to take up the challenge with your bae?

With bae watching, you’ll be extra motivated to do as many reps as possible. 

5. H2H (Heart-to Heart) Talks

A couple talking over a video call. PHOTO CREDIT | SHERMAINE CHUA

“Those activities and company wouldn't be meaningful and deep without the H2H (heart-to-heart) talk,” said Ms Leong. 

With the access of Wi-Fi, video calls can be easily made. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype and even Instagram allow you to video call!

“Even though I still miss him, I have a lot of comfort in knowing that he’s really only one video call away,” said Ms Nurain Binti Mohd Amin, 19, a student who is dating during the circuit breaker.

Since you’re unable to be with each other physically, schedule times to call each other and express your love and care.

“When having a H2H talk, listen to your partner with intent and validate their feelings and re-assure them as well,” said Ms Leong. “Be open and vulnerable to your partner.”

Ms Nurain who tried the ideas given, says: “It’s a really interesting experience, and it has helped me grow a lot closer to my boyfriend! We’ve moved past the physical attraction.”