If there’s one thing nearly all couples universally fear, it’s a long-distance relationship. These kinds of relationships are notoriously difficult for a variety of reasons, ranging from less communication, to the lack of physical affection, and reduced quality time together. Because of these strains, there’s a sort of stigma around couples “not lasting” through situations that put them in long-distance relationships. In addition to this, because of COVID-19, more partners than ever are finding themselves spatially separated from each other for extended periods of time.

If this applies to you, there’s no need for dismay. There are many components that have the potential to cause tension, but with some time and effort, those can be put to rest. In the world of technology we live in, it’s now easier than ever to have virtual conversations with others, whether it be over FaceTime, Skype, or zoom. Online dates are a great way to spend time with your significant other and reduce some of that stress long-distance relationships can induce. Here’s a list of 15 fun and exciting virtual date ideas that go beyond the basic “Netflix Party.”

1. Snail Mail

   Nowadays, with so much of our communication with each other being digitized, it’s a rare occurrence to receive a letter to simply chat. Send each other letters and slip little gifts (like bags of tea or stickers) into the envelope so you’ll both have a collection of notes to look back on one day.

2. Chopped Revamped

   For a fun cooking challenge and a twist on the classic TV show, send each other 1-2 mystery ingredients. Set a timer for an hour, open your ingredients at the same time, and make something on the fly.

3. Get Deep

   Take this time to get to know each other on a more intimate, vulnerable level. Find a list of questions to get some conversation flowing. Try out games like We’re Not Really Strangers that give you a set of thought-provoking questions to form more meaningful connections with your partner.

4. Workout Challenge

   Motivate each other to stay fit by participating in a workout challenge together! It’s a great way to be active, and if you FaceTime while you’re exercising you can hold each other accountable to finish the sets.

5. Nostalgic Games

   Return to your roots and play each other's favorite online games from when you were kids. Revisit Poptropica, Club Penguin, or Movie Star Planet!

6. Personality Quizzes

   How well do you and your partner know each other? Take personality quizzes together to find out! Some of the best tests are the Meyer-Briggs, enneagram, or, my personal favorite, Hogwarts house. 

7. Trivia Night

   If your dynamic as a couple is a more competitive one, turn on Jeopardy or some other quiz show and battle it out.

8. Dress Up

   Take a night to put on formal clothing and light some candles for a FaceTime dinner. Just because you’re not together doesn’t mean you can’t get fancy!

9. Dress Down

   Spend a night together in your comfiest clothes. Or better yet, send each other a cozy sweatshirt to wear for the night.

10. Reminisce and Reflect

    Go back through your camera roll and send each other pictures from all your forgotten experiences together. It’s a great way to look at old memories and get nostalgic.

11. Plan Ahead

    Spend time planning what your dream joint vacation would be. Where would you go? Which hotels would you stay at? Where would you go out to eat? Create an imaginary itinerary for a hopefully-someday-soon trip.

12. Phone Sex

    If you’re missing physical touch, talking about it in a call or over text can be a great way for you both to relieve some sexual tension. Just remember, always be smart and cautious if you choose to share pictures with each other!

13. Binge Watch

    Pick a new show you’re both interested in and set a timeline for binging it! Reconvene every 2-3 episodes to update each other on your thoughts and theories for the show as you progress.

14. Love Languages

    Learn about each other’s love languages to find out how you can better tend to each other’s needs. A quick search can take you to many quizzes that will tell you the ways in which you most like to give and receive love.

15. Share

    In a long-distance relationship, it can be hard to feel connected with your significant other. Take the time to share your thoughts with each other and remember your feelings and frustrations are valid.