My, my times have changed. I remember a time when you could meet people organically by going to a local bar, museum, coffee shop or by simply taking a stroll outside and smiling at a stranger. This was all BC of course (Before Corona). Social Distancing has forced us into a new normal and the dating scene is no exception.

Since the quarantine, online dating apps have seen a spike in registration averaging about 75 percent. In an attempt to communicate with new people millennials and Gen Z are making connections in their cities all over the world. People are liking, commenting and sliding into the DMs of potential love or lust mates. However, this is no longer a creative way to connect with someone new. So now that you’ve met some potential suitors how can we get creative with these dates?

Virtual Happy Hour:
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Why not designate a time to chat over drinks or a beverage of your choice and talk about your new DIY project? You can show off your cocktail making skills and set the mood with your favorite candles.

Chef it Up:
Set up your IPad in the kitchen and show off your chef skills. Maybe you two can find a recipe and attempt it for the first time together. Whether you’re making PB& J or eggplant parmesan you are enjoying each other’s company and bonding. Wear a nice top; bottoms are optional.

Netflix and Stay Still:
Press play at the same time and watch a movie. You can do a PJ’s night and enjoy a horror or you can binge watch shows you’ve been hearing about and never had the time to watch. You two can be movie critics and the fun part is you can add commentary and if your missed something from talking so much you can rewind.

Book Club:
Why not read together? If you’re nervous about taking turns reading out loud you can read a few chapters then call each other and discuss it. By reading together you are learning and growing together. Being mentally stimulated by someone lasts a lot longer than just physical attraction. Looks are great but the ability to carry a conversation and switch roles back and forth between being a student and a teacher is sexy AF.

Work It Out: 
There are many fitness apps and virtual workout out classes via Zoom. Why not log in together and get fit? When you finally meet in person that connection will be so intense adding a few abs in the mix never hurt.

Dance Party: 
Join the many DJs on Instagram and get your dance on. DJ DNice is popping in Club Quarantine. Click on his Instagrams Lives and enjoy all the old school music. You may see a few friends there. In the comfort of your own home you are a VIP so show your date your smooth moves and dance the night away.

The new normal is being safe. It is forcing us to be creative and be comfortable in our own skin. We will all come out of this better human being, so trust the delay, learn the lessons, make peace with your surroundings, shoot your shot and STAY Home!