15 Creative Virtual Date Ideas for Long-Distance Couples
Staying Connected Despite The Distance
Moving away from home means leaving loved ones behind… but it also gives you the opportunity to meet new people. I know how that sounds but I do not mean cheating or breaking up. My wife and I met each other after I moved abroad. It was difficult because I had to leave my family behind but it was wonderful because I met the woman of my dreams. There were only two problems. We didn’t live in the same country and we met a few months before the first covid-19 lock down in Europe. This meant that we weren’t able to see each other for many months and as you can imagine, that was not easy, which brings us to the purpose of this post. In order to stay as connected as possible, we had to actively seek out fun ways to engage each other and one way we did that was by having virtual date nights. We hope to share some creative relationship activities for long-distance couples that will help you get through the “meantime” until you can be together again. I know there are a lot of lists online, so I’ll try to only post the unique ways to stay connected in long-distance relationships.
Virtual Escape Rooms
There are lots of different games you can play online together but this was something that we really enjoyed doing. Escape rooms can be good, not only because they’re fun, but because they foster communication. You really have to think, express ideas, harness the power of teamwork and problem solve in order to accomplish the task. You can also start a zoom call, share your screen, put on some music and enjoy the time together. There are many free escape rooms online but there are also some that can be purchased. We suggest starting with the free versions, then pay for some if the two of you enjoy it. Here are our favourite virtual escape rooms for couples in long-distance relationships:
Relationship Podcast
We came up with this idea when I started a podcast way back. My wife bought me podcasting equipment for my birthday (take notes wives reading this) and I decided we should do a podcast for our one year anniversary. This wasn’t to share with anyone, but it was more like a relationship checkup and we decided to record the episode on https://zencastr.com/. I prepared the questions beforehand and then we both pretended that we were podcasters/radio hosts and spoke to each other, and the audience, about our relationship. Naturally, you don’t have to do this every week but it’s a nice way to catch up and it’s a good memory to have for the two of you.
Jetpunk
My wife introduced me to this. Jetpunk is a fun website where you can do different, timed quizzes. There are over 220,000 quizzes, so there’s always something to do.
Watch a series/movie
This, right here, is ‘ol reliable. I’m sure you’ve heard this one a 1000 times but this is also a good way to connect. My wife and I made a list of movies and tv shows, that we wanted the other to experience, and started watching them together (after many years, we still haven’t finished). If you’re looking for some options where you can watch together, here are some below:
Surprise Dinner Date
Although you cannot physically eat together, you can still enjoy each other’s company over a meal. Each person can order the other (you order your partner’s meal and vice versa) a meal from your favourite delivery app and the two of you can enjoy the meal together and have some good conversation. If you want, you can refrain from telling the other person what the meal is. This is also a good way to test how well you know you partner’s taste’s and moods.
21 Questions
One of the benefits of being long distance is that it’s easy to run out of things to do. I call this a benefit because it allows you to focus on each other. Since you can’t be as easily distracted by activities or physical things, all that’s left is your partner’s character and personality. This allows you to get to know your partner on a deeper level. One way to do this is playing a game like 21 questions, or any other question game. I’m not going to put a link here because there are so many online.
Read together
If you and your partner like to read, this is a great date idea. The two of you can pick a book and start your own little book club. If you want to enhance this experience, you can start a doc journal, reviewing the previous chapters you’ve read and discussing theories for the upcoming chapters. Additionally, you guys could also read books that can help develop your relationship. If you’re looking for some book ideas, here’s a list you can check out: 50 Books for couples
Bible Study
If you’re of faith, as we are, Bible studying can be a great way to help you connect and grow in you’re relationship. It helps keep Jesus at the center of your relationship, while helping you grow individually and together.
Video Games
If the two of you are gamers, this is also a great way to stay connected. I rarely played video games and my wife had never played before she met me but we found ourselves having a lot of fun trying out different video games. If video games really aren’t you’re thing, there are plenty of board games you can play online together. Although we still don’t play very often, it’s a great way to mix things up when we’re looking for something to do. Here are some of the best games for long-distance couples online (our opinion).
Listen To A Podcast Together
I love listening to podcasts. Whether it has to do with faith, sports, relationships, business/finance or many other topics, I’m there. Sometimes, I listen to really good episodes that I think my wife will also enjoy. When we listen to the episodes together, it’s often a starting point for great conversation.
Guess That Song
There are so many “Guess the Song” videos on youtube. Whether it’s Disney songs, 80’s music, rap, or something else, there’s a video for everybody. Choose something that the two of you enjoy and battle it out to see who gets more right.
Online Museum Tour
If you’re into art and history, this is something the two of you could check out. Here are links to some different tours:
Create a Memory Box
While the two of you are apart, you can create a memory box of the things that remind you of the other person. A lot of times, we don’t understand how our partner can be impacted by the little things we say and do on a day to day basis. The two of you can periodically show each other what’s in the box and talk about why those items are there. Make sure to be specific when adding items to the box. You can even journal about it if you’d like. Additionally, you can create a memory box together containing significant things from your relationship. Every time you two see each, you can switch the caretaker of your joint box until the next time you meet.
Start a Project Together
For couples that like to be productive, this is the gift that keeps on giving. The two of you could start a project together. Wherever your common interests lie, you two could create something and progressively work on/maintain it. Whether it’s a website, co-writing a short story/book, creating a Youtube channel, developing an app, starting a small business, creating music together… whatever it is, it can be a good way to stay connected. That being said, you do have to be a bit careful. Truly make sure that it’s something that interests both of you and don’t put too much pressure on it. The idea is that the two of you spend time together doing something fun, not that you turn it into a chore/job.
Create a Spotify Playlist
You don’t always have to be DOING something with your partner. Sometimes, it’s just nice to spend time in their presence. Music can be a great wait to facilitate that. Who doesn’t love deep conversation on a starlit night with calm music playing in the background? The two of you can spend time making a, or multiple, playlists for the times you just want to have a listening party and talk over great music.
Long distance relationships are not easy. Like any relationship, they require lot’s of love, patience and effort to make them successful. For the right person, it’s always worth it. Although the distance can be frustrating, it can help the two of you develop the communication, intentionality and creativity you need to thrive in any relationship. Once time is gone, you can never get it back so don’t wait till you’re together to enjoy each other’s presence, you can start now. Have you been in a long distance relationship? Do you know any meaningful ways to connect online with a partner miles away? Let us know below!
