To say that COVID-19 has impacted pretty much everything in life is an understatement.
First, you started working from home, converting your guest room into a workspace overnight. Then, you had to arrive at the supermarket at dawn to increase your chances of finding toilet paper and you ordered a bunch of cotton masks with your favorite sports teams’ logos on them.
And now, you recently met a really nice guy and want to get to know him better. But instead of the usual coffee date or lunch, you’re now planning a virtual date.
Here’s some encouraging news: While virtual dates are decidedly different, they don’t have to be uncomfortable experiences — you just have to be a little more creative and do some pre-planning. As for how to make your upcoming date more awesome than awkward, considering the following tips:
1. Look Your Best
You might be able to get away wearing yoga pants and an old college T-shirt while working remotely, but for your virtual date, take the time to look your best. A nice outfit, like the classic little black dress, that’s both stylish and sassy is a great way to start. Wearing makeup, styling your hair, and putting on some nice heels will help complete your look. Granted, your date probably won’t see your feet, but wearing closed-toe shoes can help you to feel completely put together and ready to enjoy your date.
2. Create a Nice Space
Since your virtual date will likely take place in a specific room of your house, make it a point to dress up the space to display some of your hobbies or interests. For instance, if you love music, set up the virtual date near your amazing stereo system and bookcase filled with records. For talented photographers and/or art fans, strategically place some framed photos or other artwork in the background, and if your dog is truly your best friend, display some photographs of him on the bookcase behind you.
3. Come Up with Things to Do Together
Even if you can’t grab coffee in person or enjoy a nice meal at your favorite restaurant, you can still take part in these activities together during your virtual date. Message your date beforehand and decide if you’d like to enjoy some coffee, adult beverages and/or a meal, and then arrange to have everything ready before the date starts. Prior to meeting up virtually, you can get a latte to go at the local coffee shop, order takeout from the same restaurant, or toast each other with a glass of wine or a nice IPA — it’s all up to you.
4. Talk About the Pandemic, But Don’t Dwell On It
Yes, you’re meeting via Zoom, Google Hangouts and the like because of the pandemic, and COVID-19 is certainly at the forefront of everyone’s mind these days. Of course, you should definitely ask how he and his family have been doing and perhaps talk a bit about the challenges of working from home or getting a vaccine. But try not to get too fixated on the doom and gloom of it all, if you can avoid it. Instead, ask questions like, “So, what do you like to do when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic?” This will help you to get to know him better, and if he mentions activities that you also enjoy, you could suggest joining him once the world calms down.
Above All, Try to Have Fun
During these tumultuous times, you’re to be commended for being flexible in the manner in which you’re planning and executing dates. Instead of putting dating on the back burner indefinitely, you’re still more than ready to meet new people and have a good time — albeit virtually. By dressing up, paying attention to what you’re displaying in the background, enjoying a beverage or meal together, and keeping the pandemic talk to a minimum, you should hopefully pull off a virtual date that’s fun, flirty and a definite success.
