Dating outside of a pandemic is hard enough. Throw social distancing, quarantine, and a virus into the mix and suddenly going on dates seem impossible. We all want to be outside again–to feel the breeze on our face sans masks, the sun on our back, and the feeling of adventure and newness in between our toes. But good things come to those who wait and the time for us to bring dating back outside again just isn’t here.
The best thing all of us can do right now is to keep safe by staying home, but that doesn’t mean we have to put a pause on our dating lives. Instead of heading out for the weekend to a swanky new restaurant, or jetting off to a tropical paradise for a short getaway with the person we love, we’re packing up date nights and taking them home.
Date nights, but make it a quarantine and social-distancing edition–up ahead are 4 ways to make the most out of them. Spend the night at home and with the person you love, and turn it into a special date night just for the two of you.
A Meal From The Heart
When we’re living our lives like groundhog day, grabbing a snack every chance we get as an official part of the daily routine can lead to unhealthy over-snacking. While staying home to keep safe is one way we can do our part to help fight the pandemic, eating healthy and building our body’s immunity at home is just as essential.
Turn cooking for two into a fun date night activity with Xndo’s ready-to-eat meals. Healthy eating can be enjoyable, and the yummy meals from Xndo are here to prove it. They have flavours like Beef Rendang, Cheesy Mushroom Rice, and even the classic Mee Goreng, whip up a storm for date nights at home with these delectable ready-to-eat meals that come without the excessive calories.
The Classic Game Night
Classic game nights stand the test of time. Date nights at home in a pandemic is no different. Snuggle in, get comfy, and be spoilt for choice with Spectrum Store’s selection of board games. They carry the best games for all ages and players–whether you like injecting a little bit of friendly competition into game nights, or if you’re more of a co-op kind of couple, get settled in for a night of fun and laughs with the variety of board games from Spectrum Store.
Pandemic-proof Art Jamming
The typical full-package dating experience isn’t complete without a session of Art Jamming. If you’ve never tried this before, you’re in luck. With social distancing restrictions in place, going for a session of art jamming can be near impossible. These sessions are usually held in small studios and they may cost you and your date a pretty penny.
Streaks ‘n’ Strokes have managed to make art hamming pandemic-proof by offering take-home kits that you can purchase to host your very own art jamming session in the comfort of your home. In each comprehensive kit, depending on whether you’re opting for the tote bag or t-shirt combo, you can find everything you need like the instruction booklet, paint brushes and palettes, and a pre-designed transferable illustration for you to trace onto your canvas of choice.
Art jamming makes for a great bonding experience regardless of whoever you’re painting with, and doing it at home with a DIY kit doesn’t make it any less exciting. No limits and no inhibitions, just pure creative fun.
Sweating It Out
Get down and sweaty with your partner for a night of intense heart-racing workouts. This might not be at the top of everyone’s list but staying fit together and spending the night at home working out can be fun. There’s just something about pushing through a really difficult set with another person working alongside you that makes hitting personal records a lot more satisfying.
With gyms closed nationwide, get everything you need for an effective workout at home with Aibi’s selection of workout homegoods. For a tough-hitting cardio session at home, try using jump ropes and double up with your partner if you’re feeling adventurous! There are also ab wheels, resistance bands, and yoga mats to cater to any and every workout plan there is.
Zen At Home
Cozy up and switch on your zen mood for a date night filled with pampering right at home. To truly bring the ultimate spa routine home for you and your partner, set the mood by lighting calming scented candles that offer a relaxing sensorial experience. Hit play on your go-to Spotify playlist, or search up for a pre-curated one that best fits your spa experience. When the mood’s been set, it’s time to mask up, but in a whole different way. Get the post-spa glow with soothing facial masks that you can take turns applying for one another.
Try as much as possible to put any distractions and cell phones away, and just bask in the relaxing energy that you’ve created in your little oasis at home. Take the night to truly be in each other’s company.
Dating in a pandemic isn’t impossible, and having date nights at home is just as rewarding. For all the homebodies who’ve been secretly wishing for an opportunity to spend as much time at home as possible, and for everyone else struggling to find newness in a time like this, I hope that the date night ideas here helped.