Social distancing during coronavirus is challenging for most people. Especially if you typically have a full social life, tend to be extroverted, or are single, this time of isolation can feel so different from “normal” that it’s almost unbearable.
Our team of therapists at Center for Shared Insight compiled this list of date ideas and social opportunities to get you through this challenging time. Use this list to enhance your time with friends, and other singles, as well as digital dating opportunities with the social distancing required during the coronavirus pandemic.
Synchronized Movie Watching
Watch Netflix with your friends online (yet apart) with Netflix Party. You can synchronize the movies or shows you love, stopping to chat along the way using the group chat, to simulate watching together. Metastream is another option that provides a similar experience on Hulu, YouTube, and other popular streaming platforms. You might even find a memorable concert that you can watch together on YouTube. Bring your favorite snack and beverage to add to the experience!
Group Games
From Poker to Yahtzee, online games are a great way to pass the time and connect with others. There are tons of familiar games that now have apps, where you and your friends or family can all download and play together from afar. Or, PokerStars Home Games allow you to set up a private game or tournament, complete with leaderboard standings! Boardgamesarena is an option for other digital games. These are great ways to connect with grandparents or isolated relatives during this time.
Video Happy Hours
Use Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts or other video platforms to connect with friends and family for virtual happy hours. Bring a creative beverage to brag about (or even a favorite snack). Try picking a theme for your happy hours if the conversation is getting stale, including wearing costumes or dressing up, have a contest for the best video background or conversation starts like bucket list travel destinations, what you’re most looking forward to doing after social distancing, or even share a favorite childhood memory during family happy hours.
Skill Share
While more of a solo activity and opportunity for individual growth, Skill Share is offering two free months with classes ranging from drawing and photography to business and writing. Encourage a friend to join with you and share what you’ve learned along the way!
Houseparty Games
Houseparty is another great app for virtual happy hours, but with the added benefit of games built in. Once you’ve joined a party, click on the dice icon in the corner to bring up game options like heads up, trivia, and more. While houseparty is limited to eight people in a group, it’s also a great alternative to connect with relatives who may want to both catch up and pass the time by playing a game together.
Hike Together, Separately
Share your favorite hike with someone else by using google hangouts or facetime to share your experience as it unfolds. Or, perhaps make a date out of it while you hike “together but apart” by staying on individual trails close to home but sharing the experience of hiking with someone else on video who is doing the same thing.
Creatively Eat Together
Make this a fun opportunity to get dressed up and either cook the same recipe together from separate homes, or order in from the same restaurant. Share the experience together over video. As a date night twist, surprise one another with delivery from a favorite spot or with a favorite dish as a way to get to know more about each other’s preferences. Try new cuisines, restaurants, or recipes to add variety and give you more to talk about.
Gottman Institute Ideas
Needs more ideas? The Gottman Institute, a research-based organization focused on relationships, published this list of 24 dates ideas to try at home. Take this opportunity to deepen your connection with your partner and get to know him or her more authentically through one of these activities focused on couples.
While Center for Shared Insight services clients in the Denver area, during this time of social distancing, our online therapy options allow us to serve anyone in Colorado. Take this opportunity to connect with one of our qualified therapists to support you through this period of uncertainty.
