Forced into a long-distance relationship during lockdown?

By Bekki Ramsay

If lockdown has left you in a now long-distance relationship, then – like me – you’ll know just how hard it is not being able to see your loved one in these testing times.

In fact, seeing my boyfriend in the flesh has become such a distant memory that I am now wholeheartedly convinced that this year, I’ve seen the local Hermes delivery driver more times than my boyfriend. Although, to be honest – ASOS is the second love of my life.

All jokes aside – there’s no denying that these are testing times for even the most stable of relationships. That’s why it’s incredibly important to put extra effort into your relationship during these unprecedented times. As well as openly communicating your feelings, you should also be trying to put the ‘fun’ into one of the fundamentals of a good relationship: spending quality time, together.

That’s why I thought I would share some of the tried and tested virtual dates both my boyfriend have enjoyed together. But don’t worry, even if you’re not in a relationship – these are all fun activities you can act out with your friends or on a virtual date.

Netflix and (actual) chill: Have a virtual watching party in your PJs

Well, it turns out that Netflix have beckoned all of our box-set calls and created ‘Netflix Party’. This Google Chrome extension allows two computers to watch a TV show or movie together, whilst adding a messenger section to the side. As one of my boyfriend and I’s favourite pass-times, we’ve done together and enjoyed it a surprising amount.

We’ve watched TV shows we’re both interested in ‘together’ but we’ve tried taking it in turns to pick something to watch together – which means I’ve been watching a lot more documentaries than I normally would, and he’s certainly watched more chick-flicks than he’d care to admit.

Get merry and make cocktails together via a virtual ‘happy hour’

Now that we’re almost two-months into lockdown, you’ll no doubt have hosted or joined some sort of online video conversation with your nearest and dearest. But the real question is, have you got merry together over homemade cocktails?

If the answer is yes, go you – you’ll know how fun it is! And if the answer is no, then I’d definitely recommend it. You could even use this exciting date-night as an excuse to get out of your dreaded joggers and instead, into something more glam, too.

Look to the future and plan your next trip together

If lockdown is getting you well, down, why not use spend a night planning your next couples holiday? You could decide which countries or cities you would like to visit before building a bucket list of things you’d want to do once you’re there.

You could even go as far as looking at accommodation in the area or if you’re a foodie – uncovering the best brunch spots and dinner destinations.

Not only is this an exciting way of passing time but it’ll give you both something to look forward to, whilst reminding you that this current period will eventually pass.