It’s hard to think about, but we’ve now been at home for a year. While the past year has been difficult for a lot of reasons, one of the most basic ones is that we are cooped up and bored with being at home. We’ve probably spent more time at home in the last year than any year we can remember – and we’re all kind of sick of it. It’s hard enough being separated from our connections outside of home, but when we’re cooped up together it can lead to some tricky situations. Our relationships and mental health are suffering because of the past year in quarantine, but that doesn’t mean that there is no hope. There are ways we can still have fun at home with our people while we wait for the pandemic to get under control.
Not all of us are stuck at home with a romantic partner, but if you are you might be feeling the strain on your relationship. If you’ve spent the last year having petty squabbles and feeling tension between you and your partner you’re not alone. Normally, when we run out of things to do at home, we can turn to the outside world for more ideas, but that’s a little trickier now. We can’t go out the way we used to for a date night to connect with one another and keep things interesting. We have to be careful to keep ourselves and others safe, so we have to think outside the box.
If you’re looking for ways to reconnect with your partner while staying at home, here are some date night ideas that you can do at home:
Take a virtual tour
Since the start of the pandemic, many places have started offering virtual tours so you can explore something new from the safety of home. There are museums that you can tour virtually all over the world, and you can probably find something closer to home too if you’d prefer to explore your area. There are also virtual tours of nature centers, parks,
Stage a photoshoot
There have probably been far fewer occasions than normal this year where you get to dress up and take some pictures of yourself. Even if you have nowhere to go, it’s okay to get glammed up and take pictures of each other! Try on new outfits, play with different poses and backgrounds, and most of all have fun. It can be really special to see yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you!
Have a camp out
See if you can borrow a tent from someone, or just make a blanket fort in the living room and have a camp out night. Make smores, light candles or a fire, and tell each other stories. If you’re outside, notice the stars and see if you can spot any nighttime animals. Tell each other ghost stories or even go for a hike to make it feel like a real camping trip!
Have a spa night
It might feel really nice to pamper each other! Try giving each other massages or at least a foot or back rub. You can wash each other’s hair, wear face masks, take a bath, or anything that feels decadent. Make a plan ahead of time so you have all the necessary materials on hand!
Take a class together
There are lots of apps and companies out there where you can take classes from experts virtually. Is there anything you’ve wanted to learn together? You can take classes on pretty much anything you can imagine – graphic design, homesteading, writing, cooking, cocktails, the list is endless. Try to go a little out of your comfort zone and see how it feels!
Have a theme night
Everything is more fun with a theme! Think of things that you both love – maybe a movie, or a place, or an activity – and build a theme around it. Maybe if you love traveling, you could make food from places you’ve been together or watch a movie set somewhere you’ve traveled. If you love art, watch a documentary with an artist or creator you admire and take a virtual tour of an art museum, or create your own work of art.
Play a game you haven’t played since you were kids
Try to think of a game you both haven’t played since you were young, like Twister or Uno or capture the flag. Even if you feel silly playing a kid’s game at first, it can be a fun way to get in touch with your younger self and connect with your partner.
If you’re looking for more ways to connect with your partner during this time, couples counseling can give you a space to talk and connect safely. Get in touch today to book your session.
-Brice N Sanner, LMFT