Virtual First Date Ideas: Navigating the New Normal in Dating
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, traditional dating practices have been put on hold. As we shift towards a new normal, virtual dating has become the norm.
While online matchmaking has been around for years, the idea of having a virtual first date can be daunting. The thought of getting to know someone through a screen might seem less than ideal, but it can actually open up new possibilities for a connection.
We’ve compiled a list of ideas to help you plan a successful virtual first date.
Importance of Virtual Dating during the Pandemic
Social-distancing measures are in place, and traditional dating practices are put on hold. Going out and meeting people in public spaces are no longer advised, but that’s no reason to give up on dating altogether.
Virtual dating may not provide the same spontaneity as meeting someone in person, but it can still offer a sense of excitement. It allows a judgment-free environment to explore common interests and hobbies.
Planning a Virtual First Date
Before setting out on a virtual first date, proper preparation is crucial. The first step is to choose a suitable video chat platform; several options include Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime.
You should also ensure you have a stable internet connection to avoid any interruptions. The second step is to decide what activity to participate in during the call.
One exciting idea could be sharing a meal together. Have your favorite meal delivered to your homes and have dinner while on the call.
It allows you to get a glimpse of each other’s personal tastes and preferences. If you prefer something more interactive, cooking together can also be an exciting experience.
You can exchange recipes beforehand, shop for ingredients, and cook together during the call.
10 Virtual First Date Ideas
- Online Quizzes: Participate in an online quiz together.
- Order Dinner: Order each other’s favorite meals and have dinner together on the call.
- 20 Questions: Come prepared with 20 questions to ask each other. It’s a fantastic way to know each other’s values, likes, and dislikes.
- Walk Together: If both parties have a phone with a camera, take a walk around your local neighborhood while on a call.
- Cook Together: Cooking a meal together on a video chat can be fun and interactive.
- Reminisce: Talk about your favorite memories together; it’s a unique way to bond and get to know each other.
- Play Games: Choose a game to play together, be it Scrabble, Chess, Board Games, or Cards.
- YouTube: Watch a short video on YouTube together. You can go on a virtual museum tour or enjoy stand-up comedy, and then discuss it afterward.
- Closet Cleaning: Have a shared activity by planning to clean your closet and keep each other entertained while doing it.
- Virtual Tours: Take turns choosing a cultural landmark to visit through a virtual tour.
You can learn more about each other’s preferences, and it creates a fun, competitive atmosphere.
You could choose a recipe beforehand or challenge each other to come up with a mystery ingredient.
Online Dating Options
Online dating has been on the rise for years, and the pandemic has only accelerated this trend. Because of social distancing measures, the idea of in-person meetups has been perceived as a health risk.
The abundance of dating apps like Hinge, Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid has further fueled online dating. Interestingly, shifting to virtual dates has also brought on a new level of conversation, as people seem to be more willing to open up through a screen.
Delaying In-Person Meetings
It is important to get to know someone well before agreeing to meet up in person, even after social distancing measures are lifted. Take the time during virtual dates to establish a deeper connection by talking more about your values, beliefs, and interests.
Advantages of Virtual First Dates
One of the surprising advantages of virtual first dates is that it provides a judgment-free environment. It allows you to connect with individuals you might meet under normal behavioral circumstances.
The conversation takes center stage, and physical appearances fade away. Additionally, it is more convenient, saving time spent on getting ready and commuting.
In conclusion, virtual dating takes some getting used to, but it can be a great way to maintain a dating life during these uncertain times. It offers a judgment-free environment and opens up new possibilities for connection.
Remember that in-person meetups should be delayed now, but that doesn’t mean you should put romance on hold. With the right preparation, virtual first dates could be the start of something incredible.
Fun and Interactive Options for Virtual Dates
Virtual dating can be daunting, especially when trying to find ways to make it fun and interactive. One way to break the ice is to take online quizzes together.
These quizzes are usually short, fun, and offer insights into an individual’s likes, dislikes, and personality traits. Usually available on platforms like Buzzfeed, online quizzes can be a great way to connect and have a good time together.
3) Take Online Quizzes Together:
Online quizzes offer an interactive and fun way to connect with your virtual date. By completing the quiz together, you can establish a sense of teamwork which could positively build towards a stronger emotional connection.
The questions asked in the quiz may also provide the opportunity for both parties to start a deeper conversation or share personal experiences that they might not have normally shared outside of the quiz.
Comparison of Outcomes
Another aspect to consider is the comparing of results. The outcomes of the quiz can allow the pair to compare and contrast each other’s responses.
This exercise can be an excellent way to identify similarities or differences in their interests and lifestyle. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to get to know each other better.
4) Order Dinner for Each Other: Emulating the Traditional First Date Setting
One idea for a virtual date is to emulate the traditional first date setting by ordering dinner for each other. Going to a restaurant is a classic first date idea, but during the pandemic, it might not be an advisable idea.
Nevertheless, ordering dinner delivery for yourselves can replicate the same sentiment and experience of sharing a meal together while chatting over glasses of wine.
Virtual Date Vs. In-Person Date
Although virtual dates have their advantages, they don’t allow for the human touch that an in-person date does.
However, ordering dinner for each other is an excellent way to bridge this gap. It is an experience that the attendees likely have not shared before, and it allows you to spend quality time together despite the physical distance.
Surprise Factor of Ordering Each Other’s Dinner
One upside of ordering dinner for each other is the sense of surprise that comes along with it. You don’t know what your date has in store for you, and they likewise have no idea what you might have ordered for them.
The surprise factor can add an extra layer of excitement to the virtual date.
Allergies or Dislikes
Before choosing a restaurant or meal to order, it is essential to check your date’s allergies and dietary restrictions. Finding out someone doesn’t eat meat over a video call might feel awkward, so do your research beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.
In Conclusion
Virtual dating may have its limitations, but there are ways to create a romantic and connected experience online. By looking for fun and interactive activities to engage in, ordering dinner for each other, or taking quizzes together, virtual dates can be as exciting as the traditional in-person experience.
As with any first date, remember to be kind, respectful, and open-minded, and you may just find that special connection.
5) Play 20 Questions: Getting to Know Each Other on a Deeper Level
One classic game that can be enjoyed virtually is 20 Questions.
The idea is that one person thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the other person has to guess what they are thinking of. The catch is the person answering can only respond with yes or no.
The game can be modified to have the participants tailor the questions towards getting to know each other better.
Conversation and Asking Questions
Playing 20 Questions is a great ice breaker that can lead to a fun yet informative conversation. It also provides a great framework to ask more personal questions that you might be hesitant to bring up otherwise.
With the right questions, you can find out what motivates the other person and what their life goals are, leading to a deeper understanding of each other.
Benefit of Virtual Format for Asking About Personal Moments
One advantage of virtual dating when playing 20 Questions is that it provides a more comfortable setting to share intimate details. Being in a physical setting can sometimes create a more formal atmosphere that makes one hesitant to share more personal information out of fear of judgment.
With video calling, both participants can be in the comfort of their homes and feel more at ease.
6) Go for a Walk Together: Enjoying Nature and Each Other’s Company
Another virtual date idea could be to take a walk together while on a video call.
Walking through each other’s daily surroundings can be a great way to explore each other’s worlds, and there is something therapeutic about a leisurely stroll. It is also a great way to get some much-needed fresh air and exercise.
Outdoor Date and Walking
Going for a walk together is a traditional date idea that can be replicated virtually. During these times of social distancing, it’s an activity that allows the individuals involved to spend quality time together while being careful to maintain distance from others.
Walking in an outdoor setting is also an excellent alternative for anyone who has grown tired of being cooped up indoors and is in search of some panoramic views.
Sharing Experiences and Introducing Pets
In a virtual date, introducing pets is a great way to add excitement to the conversation. Walking outside with pets and showing each other your surroundings can add joy to the date.
It can also be an experience to talk about and bond over as you come to learn each other’s views and interests.
In Conclusion
The pandemic has necessitated a shift towards virtual dating, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be incredibly romantic and enjoyable. With the right activities, such as 20 Questions and virtual walks, participants can get to know each other on a deeper level.
Additionally, the virtual format offers a level of comfort for sharing personal details, which might be tough to do initially. Virtual dating can also offer an opportunity to explore nature and one’s environment and introduce pets, adding to the date’s excitement.
Remember that with a bit of planning, creativity, and an open mind, virtual dating can be just as valuable as an in-person date.
7) Cook Together: Bonding Experience through a Shared Activity
Cooking together in-person is a common first-date experience that may be challenging in today’s world.
However, virtual cooking can still offer the same excitement and experience. Sharing and creating recipes during a video call can provide a bonding experience that draws out shared interests and skills.
Shared Activity and Cooking
Cooking together can be an excellent shared activity that offers a unique insight into a person’s character and lifestyles. It can offer an opportunity to learn about each other’s cooking traditions and techniques.
For example, one could be more methodical, while the other might be a bit more adventurous with their ingredients.
Observing Differences in Cooking Styles and Techniques
Cooking together during a virtual date can provide an opportunity to learn about each other’s cooking styles, for example, how one person measures ingredients, the spices they like, and the techniques they employ while cooking. This can be an excellent learning experience and might even help to improve one’s cooking skills.
Recipes and Measurements
The first date experience of cooking together is usually a learning experience and a chance to share recipes. During the virtual date, recipes can be shared with each other beforehand, or a recipe could be chosen together while on the call.
Following the recipe alongside each other adds a sense of teamwork and can bring the participants closer.
Cooking Lesson
Cooking together virtually also provides the opportunity for one person to teach the other how to cook. This can be a fun experience, especially if one is not usually into cooking or learning to cook a new meal.
8) Reminisce the Good Old Days: Creating a Fun and Nostalgic Environment
Another exciting virtual date idea may be to reminisce through old memories and talk about favorite positive life events and experiences. This date idea brings a sense of nostalgia and joy to the conversation and provides a chance to learn about each other’s life history.
Laughter and Enjoyable Moments
Reminiscing can lead to a section of laughter and sharing of memories. Going down memory lane lets us relive the excitement and enjoyment of a past experience.
It brings out the best moments from the past, and the laughter shared through it creates a fantastic environment for a virtual date.
Strengthening Connection through Storytelling
Sharing stories and personal history can establish a deeper connection between virtual daters. It opens the doors to vast areas of discussion and creates opportunities to relate shared experiences.
It can be an intimate way of getting to know each other and enables a chance to connect on a more emotional level.
In Conclusion
Creating meaningful virtual dates requires innovation and creativity. Trying different activities to keep the relationship interesting is a great way to build a connection.
Cooking together, reminiscing, and storytelling are just some of the few ideas to consider. While these insights do not initially compare to traditional in-person dates, they still offer the potential for a more profound connection once physical distancing restrictions ease up.
With regular virtual dates, it is possible to create a strong emotional bond, regardless of the physical distance.
9) Play Games: Adding Competition to the Virtual Date
Playing games on a virtual date is an excellent way to add some friendly competition to the conversation.
It’s an interactive activity that can be enjoyed by both parties while adding an extra level of fun and excitement to the virtual date.
Friendly Competition and Game Night
Adding friendly competition to the virtual date can be an enjoyable experience and make the conversation more interesting. It’s also an opportunity to add some spice to the conversation and create a lively atmosphere.
Game night could be a fun recurring date session for couples who enjoy friendly competition, providing a creative space to bond.
Different Game Options
There is a wide range of games to choose from when planning a virtual game night. Virtual charades is one option to consider; it’s a fun and engaging game that involves taking turns acting out different words or phrases.
Pictionary could also be an exciting option during the virtual date, where one person draws, and the other person guesses what it is. Word games, board games, and card games could also be played online, giving participants a lot of options to choose from.
10) Take a Virtual Tour: Exploring Different Parts of the World
Virtual Tours are becoming an increasingly popular way of exploring different parts of the world on a virtual date. Participants can visit museums, gardens, national parks, and other tourist attractions without ever having to leave their homes.
Virtual Tour and Museums
Many museums offer virtual tours of their exhibits, allowing the participants to share an engaging and educational experience while on the virtual date. Exploring the exhibits together can create a sense of excitement, while at the same time, both individuals have a chance to learn something new.
Gardens and National Parks
Virtual Tours can also offer a chance to visit natural settings like national parks and gardens. These virtual tours offer picturesque views and opportunities to explore different landscapes.
They provide a chance to relax and spend time together while being transported to different settings worldwide.
Enhancing the Experience with VR Goggles
While virtual tours can be enjoyed on a computer screen, individuals may also consider using VR goggles for a more immersive experience.