7 Tips For First Virtual Date

A virtual date may not sound appealing to everyone. Why not just hold off on dating until the pandemic is over? Well, unless you have the world’s strongest willpower and self-control, I have a feeling you’ve already downloaded and deleted a dating app at least once.

When you are stuck at home and lonely, you want a change of pace. You want to talk to someone new and have something to look forward to.

Whether you are looking for something serious or not, virtual first dates can offer the same excitement as an actual first date, only different. Sure, you can’t share a first kiss or awkward nice-to-meet-you hug. However, you can get to know each other and have a lot of fun.

This whole experience could even give you a new perspective on dating, what you expect, and want from it. Changing your normal dating routine to something based on communication versus chemistry can open your eyes to new possibilities.

# Take online quizzes together

I know this seems cheesy. But, if you have ever been sucked into an online quiz about which type of bread you are or how well you know the Friends characters, this can be really fun to do together.

Explore Buzzfeed. Take the quizzes together during a video chat and compare your outcomes. You can see who knows more 90’s movie quotes than the other. Or find out what state Buzzfeed thinks you’re from based on your color choices.

# Order dinner for each other

This is the best way to reenact an in-person date virtually. Since take out and delivery are still happening, for now, order dinner to be delivered to each other with only knowledge of each other’s allergies.

This leads into a normal date of sharing a meal together but lets you have a little fun with it too.

# Play 20 questions

I did this a lot as a teenager. Before I had a driving license and wanted to see someone, I would video chat with them. We would just ask questions back and forth. It may not be the more natural way to get to know each other, but it really connects you.

Ask about their childhood, their most embarrassing moment, did they have braces, or move around a lot? You would be surprised how many things you come up with that you wouldn’t have thought of when sharing a table at a restaurant.

# Go for a walk together

I always think walks make wonderful dates. You get fresh air and can enjoy the day with someone you like. Since you can’t actually go for a walk physically together, go for a walk on your own while on the phone or video chatting.

You can show each other stray cats or weird bugs you come across or even virtually introduce your pets if you have them.

# Cook together

Cooking is such a bonding experience. You may not be able to hand your date a measuring cup or grab a pan for them. But cooking the same meal from your own kitchen while enjoying that moment together can be just as enjoyable.

You can see how you do things differently or the same and how your recipes may differ. And if only one of you knows how to cook, toss a little lesson into the chat. [Read: How not to online date all the things you should avoid]

# Reminisce the good old days

Take a stroll down memory lane. While video chatting, scroll back through your old Instagram or Facebook photos. Show each other those embarrassing haircuts or weird selfie angles from around 2008.

This will surely bring the laughs. I’m positive it will also lead to some amazing stories behind the photos.

# Play games

You can play games like Scrabble virtually or even play video games together. A bit of friendly competition will get you pumped and let you see another side of each other that you normally wouldn’t until you’ve dated for a while.

Virtual first dates like charades, Pictionary, or even Scrabble can really amp up what an in-person first date would offer.