2020 has not been the easiest year for romance. With more time at home and less to do, it can be easy to fall into stagnancy with a partner, repeating the same activities and patterns day in and day out. Maintaining a sense of passion for life when we’re experiencing this much repetition has been hard enough; how are we supposed to maintain the excitement and electricity of our romantic relationships while our options for activities are so limited? Six months into quarantine, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of indoor date ideas and you don’t know what to do next.
Planning a fun evening in can be a great way to get excited about being with someone as well as show them that you appreciate them. You might have burned through your Netflix queue and usual takeout spots, but it’s still not impossible to show your date a unique night as long as you’re willing to get creative. Here are seven ideas for creating interesting, memorable dates that will show your special someone how much you care.
1. Powerpoint Night
You might have already heard about the “powerpoint party” trend that’s become so popular lately; essentially, each guest drafts up a powerpoint about something they’re interested in. A little-known historical figure they love, an argument about whether cats or dogs make better pets, or a how-to guide of an obscure skill; the only limit to the topics is the participants’ interest and passion. This party idea can also make for a great low-key date night; what better way to connect with someone than by letting them show off something they’re passionate about?
2. Cook A Meal Together
There’s always something intimate about cooking with someone and creating a meal for you both to enjoy. Whether you’re showing them how to cook an old family recipe or the two of you want to learn how to make something new from scratch, spending a few hours in the kitchen with a purpose and ending up with a nourishing meal for two can be a great idea for a memorable indoor date.
3. Take A Trip Down Memory Lane
Everyone seems to have a box full of old photos or an out-of-control collection of old mementos from faraway places— this is the perfect time to make something out of the chaos. Scrapbooking together as an indoor date can be a great excuse to reminisce about your favorite memories together, swap stories and maybe even share a few rare baby photos. By the end of this date you’ll both feel like you’ve gone on a trip through time, and you’ll have a finished product that you can revisit anytime.
4. Indoor Photoshoot Date
Pick up a disposable (or a Polaroid) camera and dedicate a day to filling up the reel. Create a photo booth in your home, picking out fun costumes and props from your belongings, and try to see who can capture the most interesting shot. You’ll have spent an entire evening without looking at your phones, and you’ll always have the photos to remember this indoor date.
5. Homemade Spa Day
Home spa remedies are definitely on the rise due to the pandemic, and there’s no reason that two people can’t get in on the fun. Turning your house into a luxury spa for the day can make for a perfect indoor date idea. Whether you want to dedicate an afternoon to luxurious foot soaks, treat each others’ cuticles, craft your own facials or even break out the massage oils, this date can be the perfect way to detox from stress and feel closer as a couple.
6. Teach Each Other A Skill
There’s nothing as satisfying or validating as being able to show someone else how to do something you’re good at. Plus, showing off something you’re confident in is a great way to engage your passionate side. Spend an afternoon teaching your date about something you love, whether it’s an art, a craft, or even a practical skill.
7. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
If you feel like you know the ins and outs of your home too well after months of social distancing, crafting a mini scavenger hunt can be a great way to inject a little spontaneity into your environment. You can choose to go the classic easter egg route, hiding little prizes, compliments, or homemade coupons in places throughout your home, or you can even create a National Treasure style mini-adventure for your partner by leaving them trails of puzzles and clues. An indoor scavenger hunt can be the perfect date to bring out some excitement and intrigue.
2020 might be the year that we all re-learn the lesson that it’s not about where you go but who you’re with. A creative indoor date idea might be the perfect way to remember how much fun you can have when you simply take the time to be present with someone you love, and approach each day with a bit of creativity and humor.
