With college campuses shutting down all across the country due to Covid-19, many couples may be separated and navigating the world of long-distance relationships for the first time. As someone who has been a long-ish distance relationship for the past 3 years (an hour apart with very busy schedules), I have a few tricks that can help your SO to feel a little bit closer.
Obviously, one of the most popular ways to keep your relationship fresh is new date ideas. Watch parties will always be there, but if you want something a bit more original, this article is for you! Below are five unique date ideas that can all be done online.
Quick disclaimer: All of these can be done with friends too! Friend dates are just as important.
- Cooking Show Challenge
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Okay, so this date may start with a Netflix party, but it evolves don’t worry. Pull up your favorite cooking show and watch it together then try to recreate a dish. You could do it competition-style or just make a simple recipe. Set up your camera in your kitchen so your partner can watch all the cooking antics that may ensue. End with a romantic dinner. A perfect way to try out something new, have a nice dinner, and make each other laugh.
- Take a Virtual Museum Tour
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If you are anything like me, museum dates are your nerdy, romantic fantasy. Take advantage of virtual tours by using websites like Google Arts and Culture. Simply FaceTime with your partner and explore a museum together on your laptop. End the date with some fancy takeout or a home-cooked meal. Excellent opportunity to have a romantic date while still taking in culture.
- Create a Joint Spotify Account
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Music brings people together. On Spotify, if you have one account but download the app on both of your devices, Spotify will sync up your music so you can listen to the same song at a time. With live albums, you can try and pretend that you are at a concert (remember those? What a novelty!). Bonus points for off-key singing and cringe dance moves over FaceTime.
- Read Together
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Time to imitate your grandma, make a little book club! There is something so personal and intimate about reading. Find a book that both you and your SO are interested in and read it together. You can read it aloud over the phone or read it individually. Then make a date to debate, discuss, and bond over the book. Note: this does not have to be just for books, you can totally send articles, videos, etc. back and forth and discuss them.
- Pinterest Itinerary
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If you are a travel enthusiast couple, this one is for you. Look up travel destinations on Pinterest or the internet in general. Plan out your itinerary, be as detailed as you want. Reminisce on travel adventures and hope for your adventures to continue soon.
Even though the current world may be stressful, it is important to lean on your loved ones. I hope this list provides some fun, unique ideas that bring your loved ones close.