How to Date during Social Distancing in Atlanta, GA

Dating can bring different thoughts to mind for different people; for some, it is ‘exciting, fun, and casual’ while for others, it is ‘awkward, complicated, and confusing.’ However, all sides of the dating population have had a rather significant problem to deal with the past few months - COVID-19 turning the world upside down. 

Online dating has revolutionized the dating game over the past few years with sites like Tinder, Grinder, Bumble, and Hinge, making it easier for people to meet another with a simple swipe if they decide they like the look of someone’s profile. In addition, during the pandemic, online dating has made it easier for people to meet one another and even taken up by those who opt for a more traditional way of dating. Yet, this has posed a challenge because of social distancing and staying at home to protect yourself and others. So dates have had to get creative!

While video calling or texting are great ways to get to know one another, they can get slightly dull and frustrating over time. However, as bars and restaurants begin to open in Atlanta, your dating life can start to get ‘back to normal, but limited capacity and your date’s level of caution still calls for the need for social distance to adjust your dating life. Below we have come up with some socially distanced date ideas that will keep you safe and satisfied!

The first idea is a romantic picnic in the park with your date. While you may see Atlanta as a bustling city, there are plenty of scenic parks such as Cloudland Canyon, Piedmont Park, and many more local parks that may be closer to you. You can separately prepare food and drinks to bring, find a picturesque spot in your chosen park, and enjoy the date with the summer sun beaming down by eating and talking to one another. Then, if the date goes well, you can extend in by taking a stroll around the park and taking in the beautiful surroundings. 

Another suggestion that we have is a virtual double date quiz night! By doing this, you can introduce your new date to your friends or vice versa, and it is a great way to introduce them to your inner circle without having to wait until everyone involved is comfortable with face-to-face contact. In addition, a virtual quiz is a great icebreaker to take the pressure away from your date and something different to try and get competitive. This idea is possible, so execute through Zoom calls, and there are plenty of quiz round ideas online if you want to think of something a bit more creative than a typical ‘general knowledge’ round. 

Additionally, you could set up a virtual movie night with your partner by installing the ‘Netflix Party’ extension on Chrome or utilize the Zoom screen sharing feature, which allows you both to watch a movie at the same time without delay times. This sharing method can replace the traditional cinema night, and it can be a great way to bond with one another. Similarly, you could even start a boxset together, which will give you hours and hours of entertainment together. 

If you want to try something slightly different, you could try out a virtual escape room together, which is a great way to escape from reality and bond through problem-solving. There are plenty of options online depending on your preferences; for example - there is one based in Hogwarts, another that involves finding a killer, or escape rooms based in a scientific facility. The majority of virtual escape rooms are free or are under $10.

Exercising or meditating together is an excellent way to look after your mental health during the pandemic as it can release serotonin (which will improve your mood) and reduce anxiety. Furthermore, exercising or meditating together may help you get over any initial embarrassment you may have when getting to know your partner, as well as offering something different other than just chatting over the phone. YouTube is the go-to for finding free exercise routines or guided meditation, and you can share your screen over Zoom so you will be in sync with one another.

Even though COVID-19 has completely changed the world in a matter of months, that does not mean you can not have fun and go on dates - it just means you have to adapt them slightly to keep everyone involved safe. 

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