It’s a tough time to be single in the world. There was a point back in April or May when most of the country was in full lockdown when we thought, come fall, the pandemic would be a distant memory. We thought we’d be moving on with our lives by now, with better handwashing regiments and maybe donning face masks in crowds. How naïve we all were. Dr. Fauci emerged from the CDC and saw his shadow, predicting at least another year of pandemic. So we’re in it, honey. And you can’t give up on dating just because people might be contagious. If you are brand new to virtual dating, check out our guide to avoiding awkward first dates. The problem with great first dates is you then have to go on a second date. It’s like a first date, but with the added pressure of potentially liking someone. So, use our virtual second date ideas to build a sound foundation for love in the time of COVID.
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MTV Cribs Style House Tour
In precedented times, you’d see your date’s home at the start or end of a date. But now, you could make it to coordinated COVID tests before seeing if they’re a slob or clown art collector. Instead, draw some inspiration from MTV Cribs and plan a tour of your apartment, house, or even just your room if you’re house-sharing. Challenge yourself and your date to show off the mundane minutiae of your home with MTV-level flair.
Internet Scavenger Hunt
We all have weird corners of the internet we return to over and over, like Gollum gazing at his precious. There’s nothing more exciting during a second date than discovering your compatibility with another person. Build an internet scavenger hunt to guide your date through your favorite internet haunts. Even if the relationship doesn’t work out, you might find some new favorite sites.
Watch a Streaming Event Together
We know it’s just not the same, doing everything online and Zoom. But it’s nice to attempt to be someplace (virtually) at a set time. Billboard keeps an updated list of the streaming concerts each week. There is a nightly opera stream at The Metropolitan. And if you’re trying to chill, use Netflix Party, which coordinates streaming movies and has a chat feature, so you can show your date you’re funny without interrupting the movie. Streaming events take the pressure to fill every silence off. Afterward, you’ll have something to talk about over a nightcap.
Cook a Meal Together, Separately
This activity may be better separately than together because you don’t have to deal with someone else’s weird kitchen habits. Agree on a recipe beforehand; the more challenging, the better, as it’ll keep you busy, and you’ll have the benefit of a cohort to help troubleshoot any culinary trouble. You can enjoy your shared (separate) meal or order from the same place if it goes awry.
Learn a Craft
Quarantine was easier to withstand in the summer because there were plenty of socially distant activities outdoors. Now, we’re all driven back indoors, and it’s going to be a tough five months. Unless you know how to crochet! Or knit! Or macrame. Or whatever–pick a craft and learn it together. It’s more comfortable to sit in a few moments of silence if you’re counting stitches.
Play Online Games Together
Even if you’ve never gotten into online games before, this year is all about getting outside your comfort zone while in comfortable clothing. Among Us is the Tiger King of the fall quarantine. It’s so popular, AOC hopped onto Twitch for a Get Out the Vote message. Houseparty was big in the early quarantine and offers four games to play. If you’re both familiar with other gaming platforms, meet up in a virtual world to campaign together.
Tour an Online Museum
Museums worldwide took a hit during the lockdown, and some have moved their exhibits online. If you’re both art lovers (even if you’re not, remember, get out of your comfort zone), pick a museum to explore together. The best part is, you’re not confined by your city. It’s the perfect chance to scope out The British Museum, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
View the Most Iconic Sculptures Around the World
Maybe you can’t visit them but viewing them makes for a good virtual second date. Here are some of the most iconic sculptures around the world.
View the Best Sculptures Around the World
Get Mindful Together
Even if you’re generally not a yoga/meditation person, these are trying times and call for drastic measures. While taking a yoga class together comes later in new relationships, doing one virtually doesn’t have the same stress. If you sweat, fart, or fall off balance, it’s done in the privacy of your home. Otherwise, share your favorite meditation and mindfulness channels on YouTube, and zone out and relax together. It’s a different way of building intimacy through distance and screens.
Photo Credit: Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash
