Seven ways to spice up your pandemic Valentine’s Day date night

A buzzing restaurant filled with diners, a packed concert hall. Date nights of the past aren’t available this year, claimed by the pandemic.

When thinking about how to plan a nice night with your partner, remember that date nights are about finding an opportunity for connection, says Chicago psychotherapist Alyssa Arnol.

“Understanding how you and your partner best feel that connection, and prioritizing incorporating that into your date night ritual, is important,” she said.

Here are several ideas for Valentine’s Day, or date nights beyond.

1. Take a virtual tour of a country you’d love to visit. Maybe the pandemic has curtailed travel plans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still plot together. Many countries have virtual tours available, if you search online. For example, tour the Highlands of Iceland. If you want to really get creative, plan cuisine to match.

2. Order takeout from somewhere that feels festive, or a place you hadn’t been able to try (or afford) in pre-pandemic times.

3. Learn something new together. If a class is too much of a commitment, write each other letters including favourite moments from the past year.

4. Sign up for a virtual painting class. Maybe you’ll end up with new artwork for your home.

5. Learn to lean on each other by taking a virtual yoga class, including partner poses.

6. Try a virtual wine tasting. Ask your local wine shop if it has virtual tastings.

7. Sign up for an online massage class.