If the idea of yet ANOTHER virtual date with someone you haven’t actually met in person makes you want to remain single forever (we know, video call socialising is so April 2020), things are looking up.
While Covid is far from over, lockdown restrictions have now eased meaning up to six people from up to six different households can meet outdoors and two households of any size are now permitted to drink or eat together, as long as you keep one metre apart. That means, yep, you can engage in a socially-distanced IRL date. It really does feel like Christmas.
Of course, things aren’t going to be back to ‘normal’ quite yet, it’s still best to remain cautious and not invite a potential date back inside to yours (or vice-versa) unless you’re both committed to being each other’s social bubbles. And that goes for anything intimate too.
You can, however, remain one-metre apart and have a fun socially-distanced date that’s more than just a meet up in a pub garden – it’s the ideal way to build intimacy and see if the chemistry you may have built up online goes beyond a screen.
With that in mind, we bring you some socially-distanced date ideas that adhere to the current restrictions and happen to so much more fun than Zoom.
Cocktail-making in the park
If you’re thinking that a one-on-one in the park without much distraction sounds like another kind of hell, how about agreeing to each bring some ingredients to whip up a summery cocktail for each other? Try and suss out what they like ahead of time, bring your own glass and some hand sanitiser. It will take your mind off any early awkwardness which is what you need right now.
Garden cinema
If you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor space, turning it into a garden cinema is pretty easy. You can nab a projector online for about £30 on Amazon, find a flat surface to hang a sheet out as the screen and then scatter some cushions (one metre apart). Important information, you should each have your own bowl of snacks because sharing is not caring. The hardest part will be choosing a film you agree on.
Go boating
This obviously depends on a few things – the boat is big enough, you live near some kind of water and don’t mind a bit of splish-splashing around, come rain or sun. You might want to agree who is going to do the oaring (for hygiene reasons keep it to the same person) and bring your own picnic and drinks.
Wild swimming
There’s been a huge rise in people wanting to try some wild swimming and why the hell not? It’s free, there are heaps of places to go and experience it and it’s a great way to do something a little more adventurous with someone you’re trying to get to know. Make sure you check local restrictions and that the conditions are safe before you enter, no one wants an accident to get in the way of your date.
Pick your own fruit
Many farms are keen to get their ripe produce picked after months of surplus under lockdown. Check online to see if there are any farms in your area offering pick-your-own, it’s a fun way to natter while you’re busy stocking up that basket, plus you can make it a little competitive if you fancy (biggest strawberry etc etc).
Sunset walk
If you’re thinking walking is a bit, meh, you could juice it up a bit by doing a sunset walk somewhere pretty. Pack dinner-to-go and download a star-gazing app so when darkness falls you can take in the starry sky. Romantic and educational – ideal.