What exactly is a virtual date and how can it help my long-distance relationship?

A virtual date is an activity long-distance couples can do together in real time, allowing them to feel each other's presence virtually even when hundreds of miles apart. This type of date is essential for relationships to thrive as it enables couples to connect on a deeper level, share their lives, and show commitment. Virtual dates are a way to deepen your bond and strengthen your relationship, specifically addressing the loneliness often feared in long-distance connections.

What technology is recommended for going on a virtual date with a partner in another country?

The internet is an invaluable tool for bridging love and distance, enabling virtual dates. For real-time video calls, couples can use apps like FaceTime to talk and see each other as if they are physically together. For shared activities like movie marathons, applications such as Discord allow you to livestream shows with your partner, and you can also share your screen for any downloaded movies or videos you wish to watch together.

What are some engaging virtual date ideas for long-distance couples aiming for a serious connection or marriage?

Several activities can strengthen your bond. You can have a Dinner or Breakfast Date by adopting the 'Mukbang' concept, eating together over a video call. A Movie or TV Marathon using streaming services and apps like Discord is another great option. For interactive fun, consider a Game Night with titles such as Animal Crossing, Overcooked 2, It Takes Two, Split Fiction, or Minecraft, which promote real-time interaction and cooperation. Additionally, an Online Fitness Class allows you to stay fit, motivate each other, and build a stronger relationship through shared goals.

How important is planning for a successful virtual date, especially when partners are geographically distant?

Just like a traditional date, a virtual date requires planning ahead of time. It is crucial that planning involves both partners, ensuring each individual has a say in the activities. Considering each other's preferences during this phase is vital, as a virtual date only succeeds if both partners truly enjoy their time together. This collaborative planning process can bring excitement to your long-distance relationship.

Can virtual dates effectively bridge the distance and maintain the 'spark' in an international long-distance relationship?

Yes, virtual dates are highly effective in bridging the distance. They allow long-distance couples to spend quality time together, making it feel like they are physically present with each other. You can celebrate important events, share meals, or play games, proving that physical proximity is not always necessary to enjoy each other's company. With an open mind and a willing heart, virtual dates can effectively bridge the gap between love and distance, bringing back excitement and spark to your relationship.

Go on a Virtual Date with Your Long-Distance Partner

FaceTime has helped many couples in long-distance relationships go on virtual dates

In the past, people had to write love letters and make collect calls to keep in touch with their loved ones who lived far away from them.

Luckily for everyone in the modern age of technology, we don't have to deal with the same issues. With the advancement of technology came the internet, an invaluable tool that bridges love and distance.

Nowadays, people can use apps like FaceTime to hop on video calls with their loved ones. Regardless of where they are in the world, they can talk and see each other in real time as if they’re together physically.

Because of such accessibility, long-distance couples are now able to close the distance and spend quality time with each other through a virtual date.

What Is a Virtual Date?

Going out on dates is essential for relationships to thrive. Dates allow couples to connect on a deeper level as they share the goings on in their lives, and show their commitment to each other. Doing things together brings couples closer.

But how is it possible for long-distance relationships? The answer is a virtual date.

What is a virtual date? It is an activity that long-distance couples can do together in real time. These dates allow two people who are otherwise hundreds of miles apart, feel the other's presence virtually.

But just like any other date, you don't just do it out of the blue—you plan it ahead of time. Planning involves both partners, ensuring both individuals get a say on the activities you are about to partake in.

Remember that just like a traditional date, it takes two people to go on a virtual date. With that said, it is important to consider each other's preferences during the planning phase. A virtual date only succeeds if both partners enjoy their time together.

If you can't think of fun activities to do with your long-distance partner, here are long-distance anniversary ideas you can do together. It doesn't even have to be your anniversary to enjoy these virtual activities.

Dinner/Breakfast Date

Have you ever heard of the term "Mukbang?" It originated in South Korea, which is an amalgamation of the words “Meongnun”/Eating and “Bangsong”/Broadcast, which translates to "eating show."

Mukbangs are streamed eating sessions, usually with large portions of food. The main purpose of the activity, aside from earning money from views, was to connect people through eating.

Most viewers feel lonely eating by themselves, and as such, they turn to Mukbang videos to pretend they're eating with their favorite influencer.

Long-distance couples can adopt the concept of Mukbang. With food prepared, couples can jump on a video call while they eat together. The beauty of this activity is that it allows both partners to talk and catch up with each other over their meal, as if they're sharing the same table.

Movie/TV Marathon

If you love movies, chances are you are subscribed to a streaming service, such as Netflix. What better way to spend a virtual date than a movie marathon? There are apps such as Discord where you can livestream shows with your partner.

You can use these apps to enjoy a movie or two with your partner. If there are streaming sites that won’t allow you to share your screen online, don’t worry; you can always download movies or videos and share your screen with them.

A Dualshock controller and a Nintendo Switch

Quality time through video games is a great virtual date.

Game Night

Even if you or your partner are not gamers, give this idea a shot. Spend some quality time together by playing video games. Being able to interact with each other in real time makes it feel like your partner is just in the room with you.

What games do we recommend you play?

If you’re both casual gamers with little to no experience, the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 are the perfect consoles for you. Nintendo games are focused on lighthearted games with easy mechanics. Games such as Animal Crossing and Overcooked 2 are favorites of long-distance couples.

If you are both gamers, you might want to try It Takes Two or Split Fiction. They’re both made by the same developer, focusing on co-op gameplay. Not only is it a fun game, but it also has a moving story that you will both enjoy.

You can also play games like Minecraft together. While it may seem childish, most adults do enjoy playing this open-world survival game because it allows them to work together to build things, gather materials, and fight monsters.

The competitive nature of video games deepens connections and brings long-distance couples closer.

Online Fitness Class

Why not hit two birds with one stone? Stay fit while you enjoy quality time with your long-distance partner. There are tons of online fitness classes that you can join together. The beauty of working out with your partner is that you’ll be motivated to do better.

Do challenges or hit fitness milestones together. You can even be each other’s fitness coaches. Just make sure to set the time for your fitness routines to ensure chores or work won’t get in the way of your fitness bonding time.

Wherever you are in the world, you can monitor each other’s progress and encourage your partner to stick to your fitness routine. Couples who engage in fitness activities together often experience stronger relationships and increased happiness.

Date Beyond Distance

Don't let distance get in the way of your long-distance relationship. With a virtual date, you can celebrate important events, share meals, or play games with your partner. With the help of technology, the possibilities are endless.

Long-distance love doesn't have to be a constant struggle. With an open mind and a willing heart, you can bridge the gap between love and distance. Virtual dates can bring thrill and excitement to an otherwise depressing relationship. So, before you throw in the towel and give up on your long-distance connection, remember these tips to bring back the spark.

You don't need to be in the same place at the same time to enjoy each other's company; you need only date beyond distance.

References:

Breese, Helen. 2023. “Expert blog: Seoul food - why the sensory Korean food phenomenon known as 'Mukbang' is becoming popular in the West.” Nottingham Trent University. https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2023/01/seoul-food-why-the-sensory-korean-food-phenomenon-known-as-mukbang-is-becoming-popular-in-the-west.

Romano, Aja. 2020. “Netflix Party, Zoom, Discord, and more: the apps helping us quarantine.” Vox. https://www.vox.com/2020/3/21/21185750/how-to-group-chat-watch-movies-games-netflix-discord-zoom-coronavirus-internet.