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Stay at home or long-distance dating: How to (virtually) make the most of Valentine’s Day with your partner

By Hannah Mallorca Published Feb 14, 2022 5:57 pm

For couples or curious singles, Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a special moment to celebrate love or date someone new.

Think going on a romantic night out, bumping shoulders with your partner, holding hands, and (hopefully) capping off the date with a kiss—or a bang. Yet the pandemic threw a wrench on the dating scene, mostly limiting interactions to the online world, lest one contract the virus.

Whether you’re starting to get serious with someone or in a long-distance relationship, dating (especially in the virtual realm) takes work. “It’s a fundamental change and a key element that explains why people go on online dating platforms and what they do there—what kind of relationships come out of it,” sociologist Dr. Marie Bergström told The Guardian in the story “How online dating has changed the way we fall in love.”

If you’re looking for creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner or fling, we’ve got you covered. Don’t worry: these activities are as fun as dating IRL.

1. Work out—via Messenger, Facetime, or Zoom

It sounds weird at first, until you try it out with your SO. Schedule a “work-out session” in the morning or afternoon, lace up your rubber shoes, and hit the gym or go on a jog with your phone in tow. You and your partner can encourage each other to reach your fitness goals even from afar. To amp up your virtual workout, sign up for online fitness programs and record your progress. 

Beginners can check out fitness influencer Chloe Ting’s 2021 two-week shred program to burn those excess calories. 

2. Binge-watch movies, TV series, or K-dramas

Thanks to Netflix, HBO Max and other streaming platforms, going on a movie or series marathon is just one click away. For a more intimate experience, you can send a list of movies or series that you want to watch as a couple then let it go from there. Don’t forget to send over yummy munchies to each other to make your pre-marathon sweeter.

3. Cringe and try out roleplay apps
(From left) Episode, Love Island, Choices

Whether you’re both gamers or not, trying out roleplay dating apps is a funny experience that will make you both laugh in tears—or discover each other’s kinks. If you prefer cheesy games, you can try out Episode or Choices. But if you’re the naughty types: Taboo and Love Island are the games for you. 

Keep in mind that you have to be comfortable with each other as partners and as individuals before trying it out. 

4. Send a heartfelt care package

Sending flowers and chocolates can be risky—and somewhat traditional. Show how much you love your partner by curating a care package filled with their favorite trinkets, snacks, and more. Not only is it a gift made from the heart, but it’s also a gift that proves how much you care in a very personalized way. 

5. Go on a murder mystery adventure

Escape Rooms might have limited their access to customers due to the pandemic, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good, old murder mystery adventure in a virtual space. Book a virtual escape room at Mystery Manila or Breakout Philippines and challenge your partner’s street-smart skills. 

Just don’t let your virtual escape room date ruin your relationship, alright? 

6. Channel your inner Picasso

Valentine’s Day is the best time to show off your inner Picasso—while making your partner cry tears of laughter. Skribbl.io is a multiplayer game where you can guess what your partner is drawing, go on a speed sketch round, finish each other’s artworks, and more. Plus: you get to convert your art into hilarious gifs. Get into the scribbling fun by visiting their website.

7. Test out your wits

Challenge each other on a word war with the funny, digital game Use Your Words which consists of mini-games including movie trailers, newspaper clippings, and more. What makes this game a fun hang out with your partner is how you get to test each other’s wits and who can make each other laugh the hardest.

8. Go on a (virtual) dinner date

You can still have a classic dinner date with your SO even if you’re worlds apart. Just order their favorite meal through your trusted app (as a surprise) and eat together when the food arrives. You can just pop your favorite romantic track on your gadget, put on a candle video, and you’re good to go.