Love in Quarantine
- Aliya Thobani
- Apr 20, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 21, 2020
A dose of love hormones? Yes please!
When things look grim and depression is on the rise during COVID-19, we are seeing a change in the way people are finding love, dating or even keeping in touch with their loved ones.
Lockdown in many countries today means that we are all in the confines of our homes, but the desire to be loved still remains. This beacon of hope is the key to how we are approaching love.
Finding love using dating apps has always been a challenge especially when it is plagued by catfishing, ghosting or people just wanting casual sex. What's refreshing is the way this virus has led us to approach a more traditional way of courtship. Many want to connect at a deeper level and that is the first and most important step in getting to know if you are compatible with each other.
Apps like Bumble and Tinder have reported a surge in usage during COVID-19. Bumble for example, reported a 35% increase in the average number of messages and an average call length of 28 minutes. The audio/video feature is an addition to their app in response to physical distancing. Now, in the comfort of your own home, you can go on a date. Worried that your hair's not done right....well then, put on my favorite accessory - the Hat. (New blog on everything about hats is coming soon - stay tuned!).
OK, let's get to the fun part! Here are 5 ideas for your virtual date.
Virtual Date Ideas:
Romantic candlelit dinner: Start with a grocery list together; select the same ingredients. Video call your date/loved one, cook together, set up your table with candles and have dinner.
Tip: there are a few restaurants like Earls and JOEY that have a variety of pre-packed chef's meals with instructions, which they have started as their 'Grocery Store' online during COVID-19. This is a perfect way to enjoy restaurant quality foods at home.
Impromptu coffee dates: Send them a surprise text in the middle of the day if you so wish and e-invite them to your virtual coffee house for a casual conversation.
Dig deeper and bring out the archaeologists in yourselves: Virtually explore history. Head to Egypt for a virtual tour of a 5000 year old tomb that has just opened up. Furthermore, the Louvre, Van Gogh, Vatican and British museums are open to view virtually in addition to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Risjksmuseum and Musée d'Orsay. Get inspired, learn and grow together.
Watch a movie, show or travel documentary together: Select whatever you like on TV/Netflix and press play at the same time. Don't forget your snacks - grab your popcorn and enjoy the show.
Play: Take part in activities like solving puzzles and crosswords, or paint a picture at the same time and compare your paintings. You could also do a workout together especially with so many options available online today. For more of a thrill, go ahead and get into a virtual escape room, like the Harry Potter Hogwarts Digital Escape Room, which is a fun way to bond.
These are just a handful of ideas to get you started. You could totally be creative with your date and enjoy. You never know where your quest for true love in these times could take you.
Positive Outcome: Love in 2020 has also led to states like New York City in the US to issue Executive Orders allowing New Yorkers to obtain marriage licenses remotely and allowing clerks to perform ceremonies via video conference. Meanwhile in the United Arab Emirates, similar measures have been introduced where citizens and residents would be allowed to get married online. The justice ministry created a website for couples to submit required documents, after which a virtual ceremony, complete with the registrar and witnesses takes place. And here's hoping more countries follow suit!
So why waste time...go love...have fun with your date/loved one and grow together!
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