How to Deal with Socially Distanced Valentines: Some Tips

 Research and Cover Image by Jenny Mae Wong

For couples that are forced to remain apart during COVID-19, Valentines will be a painful reminder, or amplification of, the hardships imposed by Covid 19 on our lives. The loneliness and longing for a warm touch, a kiss, a hug, might reach unbearable degrees for some.

We know there’s no replacement for intimate physical contact (well, there is, but we know it’s not as good as the real thing).

However, there are some things you might try that can at least quell the loneliness, and spread a little love from your heart to someone who needs it.

 So here’s a short list of suggestions to try this Valentines, and as always, we’d love to hear which ones you try, and how things work out for you and your someone this Valentines!

1. Take advantage of technology (Zoom/Facetime)

As hard done by and forlorn as we may feel in this unprecedented time, just imagine if this pandemic had happened in 1990 instead of 2020! We can at least take advantage of some of the great tools technology has brought us to create virtual meetups with someone we love. So, not surprisingly, most of the suggestions below will have you taking advantage of what you’ve got!

2. Have a virtual dinner date

This has become a popular activity for families separated by distance and disease, particularly over the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season. There’s no reason you can’t set up a romantic dinner date with your sweetie via Zoom or Facetime this Valentines Day! Dim the lights, light the candles, put a garnish on those instant noodles, put on some of your fave mood music, and off you go! We’ll leave it to you to imagine how such a date might wind up – bon appetit!

3. Watch a movie with Netflix Party

Now called Teleparty, as it was app this is “a new way to watch TV with your friends online. Teleparty synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO.

Join over 10 million people and use Teleparty to link up with friends and host long distance movie nights and TV watch parties today!” Check it out at https://www.netflixparty.com/

4. Send some gifts or homemade baked goods

Of course it’s the thought that counts – wait, no it’s not. If you love someone, you’ve got to put some action behind it and show that love! Valentines is a perfect time to do just that with some thoughtful, personal gifts or (even better) homemade goodies that you made just for your sweetie.

5. Plan a trip for when you can see each other. It will happen, so have fun planning.
6. Play online games together (Virtual Settlers of Catan)
7. Learn a new language together (Duolingo).
8. Take a Masterclass.
9. Solve a Zoom escape room challenge.
10. Do a virtual museum tour.

Let us know how you spent your distanced Valentines! On second thought, maybe also don’t. Anyhew, Happy Valentines Day!