Whether you’re in an LDR or you’re trying to go on virtual dates because, hello, we’re still in a pandemic, we’ve got virtual date ideas so you can switch things up. There’s nothing wrong with just sitting there and having a chat over FaceTime or Zoom, but if you want to get a little ~creative~, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re in a long-distance relationship, you’re probably already a pro at staying connected when you can’t be in the same place (or even the same time zone). But even long-distance couples may find that they’ve settled into kind of a rut, so it might be time to recharge your date night with something new.
And if you’re trying to go on first dates from your couch, let’s be real: it can be awkward! Just sitting there talking to a stranger over video and trying to make sure you look good isn’t the most natural-feeling thing in the world. But if you have an activity ready to go — like cooking together, watching a live comedy show, or playing a game — it gives you something else to focus on, which can make your date more comfortable.
Here are 20 virtual date ideas perfect for your next FaceTime hang. Whomst says virtual dating is any less fun than IRL dates?*
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Have a wine and paint night.
All you need is wine, some art supplies, and some creativity. You can follow along with one of the many painting tutorial videos on YouTube or get creative and do your own thing. You could even take a picture or memory that's special to you (like your favorite vacation spot or the place you first met) and each do your own painting of it. After, you can mail your paintings to each other to hang up to make this activity an even cuter idea. If painting isn't your thing, you could also try making pottery with air-dry clay, or just vibe while you fill in some adult coloring books.
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Break out a deck of conversation cards.
Whether you've been together 4ever or you're just getting to know each other, a deck of conversation cards can help you deepen your connection. You and your partner can respond to prompts that are funny, deep, and/or H-O-T, depending on the deck.
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Plan a trip together.
If you're in an LDR, planning a future visit is one way to feel connected. Talking about the types of vacations you like can help you get to know your person better. Looking at Airbnbs or hotels together and planning what you want to do on vacation is actually so fun. Plus, you'll have something to look forward to when you're done.
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Take a walk together.
Okay, so you might have to get out of your pajamas for this one. (Or not, you do you). You and your partner can both take a walk or a hike while you chat, stopping to point out things of interest or nice views. It's a good way to get your blood pumping and have something to do that isn't just staring at a screen.
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Get to know each other ~deeper~ via Spotify.
Using Spotify’s Group Sessions feature, you can 1) Share your fave songs with your date as you’re listening to them or 2) Take your conversations way, way, way deeper by sending each other prompts like “Play a song that reminds you of me” or “Play a song that describes the type of love you’re seeking.”
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓I promise, this is the easiest, most efficient way to get deep with the person you’re talking to without being super intrusive and creepy about it. One Cosmopolitan writer said here that it "single-handedly saved her dating life during quarantine."
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Assess your compatibility.
Hi, yes, use this time to figure out your person's sun, rising, and moon signs (because, yup, this is literally what we all want). Then look up your ~compatibility~ online and discuss whether you agree or disagree on everything said.
Another option if you really want to test the waters: You can do a virtual couple’s tarot card reading, which can offer up love insights and help you discover ways to better connect with your partner. Just do a quick Google search through virtual tarot card readers and find someone you enjoy.
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Take the love language test together.
Y'all, I promise, this is The Thing to do on dates. (And I speak from experience.) Take the quiz online and then share your answers with each other as you move from question to question. Not only do you find out their love language—which is super important in relationships—but you can also see how they answer each question in super specific scenarios.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Trust me, I’m 99 percent positive that mismatched love languages are the reasons why people do not work out. Oh, and when you're done with that, take the apology languages test next.
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Arrange a fancy virtual date night.
Make it an all-out black tie date night at home—because sometimes, being all dressed up with nowhere to go is a fun way to remind each other how good you look. If you’ve been staying home, use it as an excuse to put on some makeup, slip into your fave dress, and get your S.O. on video chat in their finest outfit.
Don’t forget to set the mood with a jazzy playlist, lots of lit candles, and a bottle of champagne. Then, order each other a ~surprise~ food delivery you can both eat together in front of the camera.
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Start a recipe exchange.
Create a shared Google Doc and continuously compile it with both of your favorite recipes. As a date night, choose a recipe to try making “together” in your respective kitchens, and the partner whose recipe it is can offer tips as you go. Food is love—even if you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor at the same table right now.
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Play online games together.
If you like a little friendly competition, there are tons of two-player online games that you can play with your partner wherever you’re located. Cardzmania is a platform that offers tons of online card games, from gin rummy to Klondike. Or you can do a puzzle together virtually, chatting over Zoom as you choose what piece goes where. If your LDR is happening across two different time zones, Words With Friends lets you play your turn whenever you want and keep the game going on your own time.
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Mail a care package.
Send your person a customized care package to show you’re thinking of them from wayoverhere. Ideas: Surprise them with a boozy delivery, then order the same bottles for yourself and “meet” for a drink at 7 p.m. over Skype.
Or get really creative and curate a themed vacation-in-a-box. For instance, if you’ve been dying to go to Hawaii together, mail a package containing a lei, sunglasses, a drink umbrella, and a recipe for Mai Tais—then hop on FaceTime decked out in the same themed garb, enjoy your virtual “vacay” together, and use it as a springboard to start planning your next real couples getaway.
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Start a two-person book club.
Choose a book that you’ll both enjoy and read it at the same time. Then pick a date to finish it by, and schedule a virtual book club discussion (cheese and wine optional, but highly encouraged). It’s similar to watching a show together but requires more dedication and provokes in-depth conversations throughout.
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Create a shared photo album.
Set up a collaborative photo album on your phone or Dropbox, then go through the pics while you’re on the phone together. You can curate old snapshots from fun times you’ve had together, or walk down memory lane by including old photos from both of your childhoods and high school glory days.
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Send a coupon book.
To really up the ante on your next reunion, create a personalized coupon book for your partner that’s filled with favors and activities they can “cash in” on next time you’re together in person. The coupons can be a mix of sexy (“Good for one full body massage”) and simple (“Good for one home cooked meal, doing the dishes included”).
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Exchange scents.
The olfactory sense is strongly connected to memory. Exchange mini bottles of your perfume and cologne through the mail so you can remember what each other smells like. (Then go ahead, spray it all over everything in your house until you’re together again.) The scents will trigger memories, which you can sweetly share with each other.
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Motivate each other to sweat.
If you can’t be IRL gym buddies, holding each other accountable for your fitness goals is the next best thing, so sign up for the same virtual yoga or barre class.
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Binge-watch the same TV show.
It’s Netflix and chill, but from afar. First, download Netflix Party, a new Chrome extension that allows two parties to synchronize their Netflix accounts to watch something simultaneously. Pick a show neither of you have seen and watch each episode so you can send text commentary in real time.
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Go house hunting.
If you’re planning for a future together, now is a great time to start looking for your dream home. Amid COVID-19, real estate businesses and sellers are offering safe alternatives to open houses with virtual tours of their homes—which you can do with your partner from literally anywhere.
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Learn something new.
Socially distancing from your person is a great excuse to pick up some skills and become experts in something new together. Sign up for an online class together like: learning French, cross-stitching, baking, you name it.
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Stargaze “together.”
We’re all under the same sky and seeing the same stars, which is high-key pretty romantic when you think about it. Sit out on your deck, get your partner on the phone, and see if you can point out the constellations together. Looking at the same stars from afar will make you feel closer.
*Okay, virtual dating is definitely shittier, but it’s all we’re working with now, so best to enjoy it, yeah?
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.