Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Self

Swipe right on these virtual dating tips

Scott Harris
By
Virtual dating
Insta Photos/Shutterstock

There’s no way around it: Virtual dating can get a little repetitive. While messages, video calls, and distanced coffee dates are safe and easy ways to get to know someone, they can get very boring, very fast.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to break up the monotony and bring the spark back to virtual dating. With honest communication, you and your date can learn about each other’s interests and work together to plan more fulfilling virtual dates.

Recommended Videos

Here we’ll cover some of the most creative ways to meaningfully connect with other people and have a proper virtual date.

Related

Seek out common interests

Finding common interests is the most basic building block of any relationship, but it can still be so hard. Sometimes we talk so much that we forget to listen, or alternatively, we’re too shy to interject our own thoughts and opinions.

Devoting time to understanding and engaging with each other’s interests will go a long way, especially in virtual dating. Once you determine a few interests the two of you have in common, find interactive activities that relate to them.

Like to cook? Organize a recipe swap or try your partner’s favorite foods and have a virtual meal together. If you’re interested in the same types of movies or TV shows, use services like TeleParty to watch your favorite Netflix, Disney, Hulu, and HBO programs in sync.

The important part is to take common interests and create a fun experience instead of just chatting about them.

A woman plays virtual games
Insta Photos/Shutterstock

Play online games

For those with a competitive spirit, online gaming is the go-to.

If you both have gaming consoles, grab a controller and throw on your favorite multiplayer game. Additionally, cloud gaming services allow you to play games with anyone in the world, and you don’t even need the physical DVDs to engage. These systems make it easier than ever to pick a game, download it, and start playing in a matter of minutes.

If you’re console-free, check out these online games that require nothing more than a computer and an internet connection:

  • Jackbox Games: This service offers a huge collection of group-oriented games available through the web or app.
  • Disney LOL: As the gaming platform for one of the world’s most recognizable entertainment brands, this site totes Star Wars and special “Brain Games” collections among its highlights.
  • Sporcle: As the world’s largest trivia website, this contains everything from naming the countries of the world to naming characters from The Simpsons in a set amount of time.
A woman takes a virtual tour
New Africa/Shutterstock

Virtual tours

Some of the world’s most famous museums now offer virtual tours. Ever seen the Louvre before? Now’s your chance. Keep in mind that fees may apply and reservations may be required, so check each site before booking.

  • The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular museums in the world and an anchor of the Smithsonian museum system in Washington, D.C.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York’s venerable art museum, is open for visitation, so check out the world’s most valuable art without dealing with the notoriously long lines.
  • International Spy Museum, a Washington favorite, offers a window into the ins and outs of covert activity.
  • The British Museum covers natural history from every corner of the planet, making it one of the most extensive collections worldwide.

All a good virtual date really needs is creativity and communication. Find those common interests and translate them into an activity you can both enjoy together. This list is by no means exhaustive, so if these suggestions inspire you to try something else, go for it! Maybe a virtual stroll through a park or a shared workout will get you going. Again, use your imagination, listen to and understand the other person, and you can’t go wrong.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Scott Harris
Scott Harris
Contributor
Scott Harris is a freelance writer based near Washington, DC, with more than a decade of experience covering health…
5 great products for a fun girls’ night
A group of friends toasting with cocktails

Whether it’s Galentine’s Day or just a random Thursday, having your best friends over can be just what the doctor ordered. Research published in 2018 found that friendships aid in stress management and prevention, and we could all use a little less stress these days.
Netflix night is a tried-and-true way to bond with your friends without leaving your house, but you can’t exactly strike up a meaningful conversation mid-movie. Instead, opt for activities that let the conversations flow and the good times roll.
An evening of art, food, conversations, and casual clothes can do just that. These products will help you have a great girls’ night in.

Nights out with good friends are fun, but having them over for an evening can be, too. It can also be a bit more relaxing. No shoes? No worries. You can still get cocktail service. Instead of movie night, opt for food and art. It will keep your stomach happy and the conversations going. Serving tools, like cheeseboards and cake stands, are stylish ways to leave food out for people to nibble as they paint. A cocktail mixer can turn the evening into a buzz-worthy affair. Paint and canvases are must-haves for your art project. Remember, the art doesn’t have to be award-winning. What’s important is everyone has a good time together.

Read more
8 fall sweaters that are trending right now
Woman wearing a green cable knit sweater

Fall is one of our favorite seasons for fashion. And this year’s fall style trends do not disappoint, especially when it comes to sweaters. Whether you’re layering up or wearing it solo, sweaters are essential wardrobe staples. With this season’s sweater trends, there is so much to consider. From the revival of classic styles, like cable-knit sweaters and collared designs, to bold, new looks, like statement patterns and cutouts, there’s a style that every fashion-minded person will love. Which ones should you add to your closet? Keep reading to discover the best varieties of fall sweaters in 2021.

Cable-knit sweaters
Cable-knit sweaters have been a fall/winter essential for years, thanks to their beautiful patterns and warmth. This year, the iconic staple takes on a bit of a new look with chunkier knit patterns and fun design elements. Look for a thick sweater with an interesting knit pattern, or find one with interesting features like fringe or an off-the-shoulder neckline.
Cutout turtlenecks
Cutouts have been a huge trend all year, and not even the cold weather can stop it! This season, consider a cutout turtleneck sweater, which is especially popular because they take a traditionally conservative style and add a dynamic and flirty detail to them. Options include turtlenecks with a cold-shoulder design or a chest cutout.
Polos and collared sweaters
Thanks to the resurgence of 70s-inspired fashion, collared sweaters and polos are also making a comeback. This retro look is effortlessly cool, and there are so many ways to wear this style. You can layer it over a tee or on its own. For a more athletic look, choose a cropped sweater or wear the collar unzipped. Or choose a traditional knitted polo for a preppy style.

Read more
How we help ourselves by helping others
two people holding hands

Over the last several months, there’s been a larger conversation around self-care. Mental health professionals have reminded us that we cannot pour from an empty cup, to make sure we put on our oxygen masks first, and that self-care is not selfish.
All of these statements are true, and the conversation around self-care is an important one. The National Institute of Mental Health reports about one in five U.S. adults has a mental illness. That’s more than 51 million people.
While people certainly need and deserve to take time to themselves, there’s also another way to better your mental health, and it involves giving back. Volunteering has proven psychological and physical health benefits, including boosting moods and reducing blood pressure. Here’s how we can start helping ourselves by helping others.

What are the mental health benefits of giving back?
The idea that helping others can help you isn’t mere happy talk. The idea has been put to the test by scientists and experts. Here’s what they’ve found.

Read more