With Auckland remaining in level 4, it’s a little more difficult to date. However, maintaining social distance doesn’t mean we need to stay lonely and unable to meet new people.
We asked Chantelle Otten, Bumble’s resident sexologist, to share five virtual date ideas to get us through the lockdown, all utilising Bumble’s video chat feature.
1. Dine and date
Dinner is always a popular real-life date choice. It’s the perfect way to engage in a one-to-one conversation with your match and get to know them.
It doesn’t need to be any different virtually— you could plan out a meal you can both prepare and cook simultaneously or bring your own creations to the virtual table.
You’ll be able to share cooking tips, find out the other person’s food preferences, and ultimately get to enjoy your dish while in the company of someone that’s not in your bubble.
2. Watch a movie together
Once you get talking to your match about their favourite movies, you’ll be able to understand their personality better.
Figure out an actor, actress, or genre of movie you both like, and settle in for a night on the couch. Once the movie has ended, partake in a debrief where you share your favourite moments, discuss the characters, and consider each other’s point of view.
3. Meet the pets
While you’d usually wait to meet your date’s special friend in their life—their pet—now is the best time to meet them over a video call!
If they own a dog, you could both go for a walk around the block with said furry friend—and phone in the other hand.
4. Truth or dare
Truth or dare can be completely G-rated, and a way to familiarise yourself with your date and their surroundings.
Truth: when did you last wash your hair?
Dare: show me what’s in your fridge?
You may be surprised by what you uncover!
5. Do a dance-off
With so many dances trending on TikTok, why not find a routine to learn and show off your moves to your date?
This is a way to have some fun, regardless of whether or not you’ve got it in the dance department.
Above all, my ultimate advice is to keep it real and be yourself. Do whatever makes you feel the most confident—whether it’s wearing your favourite outfit or telling your best joke. If you feel great, your confidence will shine through!
For more tips on navigating the online dating world to ‘find the one’, read Chantel Otten’s advice here.
