Over the past year, we have had to adapt to a new style of dating – virtual dating; it has been so interesting to see the many benefits that it brings, for example having the opportunity to assess whether you have a connection, before taking the time to meet up in-person. These benefits lead me to believe that virtual dates have a place in the longer-term dating landscape and here some of my favourites to date.

Virtual Gallery Tours

Before Coronavirus and lockdown were words in most of our vocabulary’s, art galleries were a great go to date option. Whilst we’re not currently able to get out and visit these galleries, through the power of the internet they can be brought to you! Whether you’d like to explore the Prado National gallery in Madrid, the Louvre in Paris, National Gallery in London or the MoMA in New York there’s a virtual gallery tour out there for everyone. Google arts and culture also offers the opportunity for you to scroll through the artwork of various galleries across the world. So, what’re you waiting for? Grab a drink, share your screen and instantly be transported to your favourite gallery.

Virtual Concerts

If music is more your thing lots of artists have concerts that you’re able to stream and bring the concert home to you. Regardless of your favourite artist, there are so many options from Radio Head, Metallica, Adele, Florence and the Machine, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Madonna and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra just to name a few. Lower the lights, start the concert and get dancing!

Cocktail Masterclass

Ever wondered who’s the better bartender, you or your partner? Well, now’s the time to find out! Find a recipe for a new, fancy cocktail, or mocktail, that neither of you have made before and see who can make it better and yes, honesty will be required when it comes to taste!

Alternatively, lots of companies are doing ‘make your own cocktail at home sets’, so if you’d prefer to have all the ingredients and recipes delivered to you and your partners’ doors then do have a google – there are lots out there.

 Cook together

If cooking is more for you choose a recipe, preferably one neither of you have made before, open Zoom and get cooking! After spending time cooking it then allows you to sit down and eat together.

Again, lots of companies do meal boxes if you’d prefer to have something a bit easier to make but that still requires a bit of cooking!

Or, if cooking isn’t your idea of fun, why not order each other takeaway; Yes, whilst you can of course order your own takeaway sometimes it’s nice for someone else to choose your meal. Let them surprise you and see what you think!

Get exploring

If you’re longing to be able to jet off and explore a new city or country together, and let’s be honest who isn’t, then why not give it a try virtually. Whether it’s Iceland, Paris, Rome, Saint Petersburg, New York, Athens or even a safari get dressed up, grab a drink and get exploring!

Book clubs

If you’re both avid readers, then why not make it something that you can do together? Choose something to read whether it’s a couple chapters of a book neither of you have a read, an article, a short story, anything that gives the two of you something to talk about and debate, and then set aside a date night to discuss your thoughts!

Games night

Or, if you’re missing out on games nights there are now ways to play these online! Whether you’d like a Trivia night, Charades or Pictionary there are so many options and games nights are the perfect opportunity to double date, even virtually! Get competitive and see which couple wins!

Get active!

If you’re getting tired of working out alone then why not schedule a workout date! Find something that you both enjoy whether that’s a HIIT class or yoga, share your screen and do it together! If you have a tracking device some companies offer classes with a leader board so based on your stats you can see who can get as close to the top of the leader board as possible! Let the competition begin…

Expand your knowledge

If you both crave learning more then why not learn something new, together! Whether you put on a Ted talk on a subject you both want to enhance your knowledge on, sign up to a Coursera course on anything from history to the arts and everything in between, start a new podcast series or learn a new language the options are endless!

We hope that some of these virtual date ideas have inspired you to do something a bit different to the typical video call. If you’re currently trying to navigate the virtual dating landscape we have more blogs that can help; click to read our Video date tips or about how to keep momentum whilst virtual dating.

If you’re spending time thinking about prioritising being in a relationship with someone who’s aligned on values, backgrounds and visions for the future then we can help. Get in touch to see how!

Please note these are just suggestions and ideas, Maclynn (formerly Vida) isn’t affiliated with any of the brands or links mentioned above.