How to Make a Date During a Pandemic Without Going on Another Damn Walk
The pandemic has turned difficult and necessary evil into an almost impossible and dangerous temptation. But with the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases globally and the daily increase in the number of vaccinations in the United States, you can probably run into an awkward date again like in the days of old. And when you do, why the hell would you go for another lame, dull walk?
It’s okay to take a walk. And that’s really all … good. If you’re looking to wow your potential date, especially after months in isolation, you can suggest something more creative and fun than another walk in the park.
Virtual alternatives
We haven’t gotten out of the pandemic forest yet. We can hope for a vaccinated summer when we can frolic with people we haven’t seen in a year, but for now, you can opt for a virtual date. Yes, I know the term “virtual dating” doesn’t exactly bring up the expectations you might otherwise get from the IRL hangout, but there are some good options that might suffice while we wait.
- Virtual Quest Room: Do you enjoy solving puzzles, especially when your task is to escape from a (virtual) trap? Do a virtual quest with your date. They prioritize teamwork and can definitely help you determine early on if you and your date can work together (if your goal is to win at any cost).
- Tasting Wine Together: Are you two insufferable wine snobs? Then enjoy this snobbery by tasting the wine together. You can buy the same pair of bottles or book flights of wine to your home, pour a few glasses, connect to a video conference and let tannins and pretentiousness take over.
- Online Tours: This may seem like a novelty stolen from the early days of the internet, but given the options at your disposal these days, it can actually be pretty cool. I mean you can take a virtual tour of the Louvre together . Or the Great Wall of China, Georgia Aquarium, or any number of interesting objects.
Alternatives to Walking Fun IRL
Walking is often seen as a vehicle for discussion or as a very intimate acquaintance with you. It’s true. But it is also true that your legs can walk while you are doing other things besides talking. Of course, given the persistent nature of this pandemic, wear a mask unless both of you have been vaccinated, which is currently permitted by CDC protocol.
- Miniature golf: is there a soul on this planet that doesn’t like miniature golf? It will take you out of your comfort zone, and if you can maintain a positive attitude while battling a stupid golf course, you will have a great time.
- Picnics: You don’t walk , you sit. But you will be sitting and talking, drinking something yummy, and maybe grabbing something like meat appetizers, if that’s your speed.
- Craft : Even better, when you go to the park for a picnic, why not get creative with some crafts? In particular, why not bring some paint and wine to a park or someone’s backyard?
- Outdoor Movies / Comedy: With warming cities across the country, they will soon start projecting movies on large screens in the midst of local parks. There is also the possibility of holding stand-ups and other outdoor performances.
- Cycling: Take a bike ride to a scenic location. Take a blanket and have a little lunch. Have a fun day.
- Watch the Sunset: What could be more scenic than heading out to some pretty spot (like cycling), watching the sunset and returning home with fireflies lighting your path? I do not know! But you can definitely have this date this summer.
- Botanical Garden: Ok, technically it’s a walk, but it’s not an old walk. If your city has a botanical garden or nature reserve, this is better than a walk in the local park.
- Tennis : Maybe you two don’t like to play sports, but if you do, then tennis is a fun game as you can really test your chemistry stamina by hitting the ball back and forth.
This is just a small part of what you can do, but not only on foot, which, frankly, is boring if you do it on its own.