Dates are scary and sometimes dreadful. Everyone has experienced that flood of emotions when you are hours away from meeting someone you hope will be the one. Even the most confident people can feel nervous and awkward before a date.
However, if you’re an introvert, dating can feel as comfortable as wearing a winter coat in the middle of summer. Since many introverts avoid social interactions, a one-on-one date can feel like running a marathon without prior training. Dating can be emotionally exhausting.
Thus virtual dates can be a way to create intimacy and romance without the awkwardness of meeting face to face.
What is a virtual date?
Virtual dates during the pandemic were the primary means of going out with someone. These dates can occur in a virtual space such as Zoom, Skype, or video call. It’s essentially going on a date with someone but instead of meeting in person, you get to know your date through a screen.
What are the advantages of a virtual date?
Virtual dates can take the edge off meeting someone face to face. They’re a great option if you’re socially awkward, have a busy schedule, or like a bit of mystery. They are convenient if you want to avoid the awkward end-of-the-night moment when you end up standing in front of the door wondering if you and your date will kiss. Virtual dates can end more pleasantly with the click of a button to say goodbye.
Who are virtual dates for?
Although virtual dates are ideal for introverts, they are also great for various couples — for instance, long-distance couples, people with opposite work schedules, or couples wanting to mix things up.
Where can you have a virtual date?
You don’t need to worry about being confined to your home to have a virtual date. Instead, virtual date night can happen anywhere you have an internet connection — the privacy of your home, at the park, on the beach, or at a coffee shop. You can make it happen if you feel comfortable and have a device connected to the internet.
15 virtual date ideas that can lead to a virtual romance
If you’re considering virtual dates, here are some ideas to get you started.
- Watch party
One of the simplest virtual dates is having a watch party. Many streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Disney+, allow you to simultaneously watch the same movie as someone in a different household. With watch parties, you can watch movies, documentaries, and comedy shows, and even binge a series.
- Dinner date
Often going out to a restaurant for a date can be complicated. Instead of trying to make reservations and fighting traffic, you can have a virtual dinner date at home. Set a time and prepare your food in advance. Then when it’s time, light some candles, turn on your screen, and enjoy.
- Cook together
Maybe your kitchen is built for one or you live far from your partner; cooking dates can be done online. You can prepare the same meal or have different recipes. Better yet, one person can instruct while the other person cooks.
- Virtual museum tour
Because of the pandemic, various museums created virtual museum tours that are still online today. These tours are a great way to learn about your partner’s interests.
- Costume party
It might feel silly dressing up in a costume to sit in front of a screen. However, putting on a costume for a date can be fun and help you connect more with your partner. You can dress up in your favorite cosplay outfit and role play. Or you can dine in your costumes or have a dance party.
- Play a game of truth or dare
Another great virtual date idea is a good old game of truth or dare. Although it’s a juvenile game, it’s a wonderful opportunity to be vulnerable with your date. Remember to keep the dare within the context of wherever you’re videoing from.
- Play online games
Whether it be a video or computer game, online games are a great virtual date activity. There are many resources for online games, such as Gartic Phone, Among Us, and many others.
- Visit a virtual aquarium
Aquariums offer visitors an opportunity to experience the world under the sea. Fortunately, you can witness some beautiful sea creatures from your home through virtual tours.
- Work out together
A virtual fitness date is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy a common activity. The key is to find a workout video that is conducive to your and your partner’s abilities. Virtually working out together can also be a great precursor to eventually working out together in person.
- Show and tell
Playing a game of show and tell is a great virtual activity if your partner is traveling or if you want to share interesting facts about yourself. Find five to 10 items you’d like to share with your partner. You’ll want to find things that have sentimental value to you. Once on the date, you can share and ask questions about each other’s items.
- Take online quizzes
Popular online quizzes can tell you which celebrity you most resemble and what type of pizza topping you “are.” While silly just as much as fun, online quizzes are a great way to pass the time on a virtual date.
- Coffee with book recommendations
If you’re a book lover, this virtual date idea is perfect. Pick a time to meet, then pick out some of your favorite books. You can create a pile of physical copies or use websites like Amazon or Goodreads to share and display your books while on the date.
- Google street art tour
Did you know that Google has a street art feature where you can take virtual tours of street art worldwide? You can view street art from all around the world without ever having to leave your couch.
- Picnic
Having a virtual picnic will require you to go outside; however, this virtual date idea can be helpful for couples with long distances between them or people with allergies. Pick your favorite picnic spot, prepare food, and head to the grass with your phone or tablet. Once outside, set up the video call and enjoy some fresh air. If someone has allergies, they can stay home and enjoy the view.
- Virtual concerts
Experiencing live music is exhilarating, but dealing with people constantly bumping into you can ruin the experience. Instead, use YouTube to look up concerts from previous years. Then you can plan a date night around watching old concert footage.
Tips for planning a virtual date
Now that you have some virtual date ideas, here are some things to remember when planning.
- Keep the date short, and have a specific end time.
- Plan ahead, and ensure your device is charged, the internet is reliable, and your schedule is free.
- Limit distractions. Place your phone on silent or silence notifications so you can give your date your full attention.
- Get excited. Dating can be fun and exciting if you allow it to be.
Virtual dates can have endless possibilities. Remember to enjoy yourself and allow yourself to connect with another human being.
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