The Quarantine Date
These are tough times, tough times indeed. The world has turned upside down, and as a result we have been confined to our homes. “But wait a minute” I hear you ask, “Does that mean I can’t go on any dates?” Well, yes and no. Everyone should be social distancing themselves (meaning keeping apart from each other) so dating in the traditional sense has to be put on the back burner for now. But what if you’ve just started seeing your special someone and are worried this lack of interaction might ruin things. Well, you’ll just have to think more creatively. Or better yet, let me think for you.
The Date
I’m going to give you 3 core date ideas, in addition to a plethora of fun “video chat” games you can play. But of course, there’ll be some Dates 101 flare added for good measure. Let’s begin with the one you’ve probably heard people doing already.
Video Chat First Date
The is easily the most obvious date idea out there for dating during a pandemic, and I wouldn't be surprised if you’ve heard about this date already. It’s easy enough, hop on to your preferred video chat application, and ‘simulate’ a first date with someone on the other side. Better yet, it can (and will) be used multiple times throughout your isolation weeks because its a fantastic way to communicate with someone! If you’re planning on doing this, I would recommend you start off simple: look presentable (not like you’ve just woken up), set a time where there won't be any distractions, get some wine (or any drink of your choice) and get to know your date. Now, the problem with this date idea in my opinion is it could get really awkward, really fast. What if the lighting isn't good, or what if you run out of things to talk about? I would write out a few topics on a piece of paper beforehand, in case you run into this issue. Some topics of discussion could be...
-What are you doing to pass the time during isolation?
-What do you do for a living/ If you could do anything else what would it be
-Where have you traveled/ Where would you like to travel once this is over?
-What do you like to do for fun/ What are your hobbies?
-What’s your family like?
-Tell some of your favourite memories
Being prepared is key for this kind of date, and with a list I’m sure your nerves will quickly vanish. Also, don't forget to keep it out of sight.
Movie Watching
The next date idea requires both of you to have a Netflix account (or similar streaming service). Pretty much you're going to watch a movie together. Simple right? Well, not so fast. Like the video chat date, I’ve seen this idea many times as well. And while I think it could be really fun, I’m afraid most people have never tried watching a movie while trying to talk to someone at the same time. Talk about audio overload... Now, it definitely could be done. Have the volume on the Tv or computer low and the audio on your video chat high. Did I mention you’re doing this on video chat? No? Well that's because it can be done other ways. You could always talk on the phone while watching the movie, which would work much better in my opinion (specifically because you don't want to be focused on 2 screens at once). But I believe the best way to experience this date idea is actually through text; albeit in the chat itself or with your phone (if you're not using it to communicate) Why text? Well, for one its much quieter and less distracting. And two, I feel like the conversation would be a lot better! You can text what you think is going to happen next, who you think the bad guy is, who’s gonna die next, or how scared you are at that very second (if watching a horror movie). It’s also a completely different way of communication, which can be a nice change of pace coming from the video chat date. But feel free to use any method you wish.
Question and Answer
Like the previous date idea, this can be done through video, phone call or text. But can I make another suggestion? I really feel like the phone is the best method of communication for this one. Why? Because no one uses the phone anymore, and sometimes you want to talk to someone without worrying about how you look (where my sweatpants people at?). So for this idea, you're going to come up with A BUNCH of questions for your date to answer. What should the questions be? Well, anything you want to learn about your date honestly. It can range from the super basic like what's your favourite dessert to the total extreme like if there was a zombie apocalypse what would your game plan be? Ideally you’d want anywhere between 20 and 50 questions. “Wait, 50 questions!?!” Yup 50. The reason I want you to have so many is because you could do this idea multiple times if you wish, or keep the questions coming by text throughout the day. Am I going to tell you what questions to write? Nah, you’ll have to figure that one on your own. Once you’ve come up with your questions, you're going to simply go back and forth with your date answering each others questions (you decide if they're allowed to ask the same ones you asked).
Quick Video Chat Games
And there you have it, 3 core date ideas you can do without having to leave your house. But what if you’re looking for a more casual date idea? Here’s a bunch of light hearted video chat games you can do to pass the time.
-2 Truths 1 Lie
-Truth or Dare
-20 Questions
-Never Have I Ever
-Sausage (Pick 1 word, in this case “sausage”. Player 1 asks question and Player 2 must always answer with “sausage”. If Player 2 laughs, they lose. Player 1 gets 10 tries, and then the word changes)
-Questions Only (have a conversation only with questions, see who can last the longest)
-iMessage GamePigeon games
But before we go
Wow, this is a long post. But I wanted to give you a comprehensive list of things you can do, so bare with me because this is where things get real. Below you will find really unique, Dates 101 type of activities you can do with your date over video chat. These activities range from mundane to totally outrageous so hope you enjoy!
Video Chat Outside- Show your date your neighbourhood or cool areas in your city (watch out for data overages). Don't forget to keep your distance from people
Video Chat Drinking Games- can be done while talking or watching a tv show (drink every time you/they do *blank*)
Dinner Date- Eat dinner while talking over video chat (try to make the same meal and see who’s turned out better)
Dinner Theme- Same as above, only have a theme attached to it (Western food, Mexican food, Sushi, Pizza)
Romantic Dinner- Dress up really fancy (maybe add some candles too)
Cooking Channel- Start your dinner date in the kitchen, both must have the same ingredients. One of you is the head chef and directs the other on how to make a delicious meal. Watch each other make the same food and see who’s turns out the best
Guy’s Grocery Games- Be on the phone with each other as you search the grocery store. Each of you picks 3 ingredients that the other must use in their dish. See who can make the best meal with the chosen ingredients included
Bob Ross- Video chat each other while listening to an episode of Bob Ross and painting. Who’s the better painter?
Stranger- Want to make your first date super memorable? Video chat for the first time wearing a whole bunch of clothing on your face (hats, sunglasses, bandanas, etc.). Take turns asking about each other. For example, do you like cookies, do you listen to Ed Sheeran? If the answer is yes, they must take off a piece of headwear. Play until their face is finally revealed.
Wrap Up
So that was a lot of ideas thrown at you, but that was the point. Hopefully there’s enough here to keep the two of you occupied until this pandemic is over. Don’t feel like using these ideas, or dating for that matter? No worries, you can always do this stuff with your friends! Or wait until we’re allowed to interact with each other again to start dating face to face. But in the meantime, let’s all do our best to get through this thing together, one day at a time.
Remember, make every date a story.
Dates 101
