19+ Long Distance Date Night Ideas to Keep the Romance Alive
Being in a long distance relationship can be tough, can't it? I mean, sometimes it feels like the miles between you just sucks. But here's the thing – even though you're not physically together, you can still have an amazing date night!
With a little bit of creativity and the magic of technology, you can still create some seriously special memories. I know it's not always easy, but there are so many fun and romantic ways to connect with each other, no matter how far apart you are.
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So, whether you're new to this whole long-distance thing or you've been doing it for a while and just need some fresh ideas, stick around! I've got some fantastic long distance date night suggestions that'll make you feel like the distance between you is manageable.
Connect Through Technology
Long distance relationships can be tough, but technology makes it easier to stay connected with your significant other. If you're struggling with sadness in your long distance relationship, here are some tips on managing it.
Here are a few ideas to help you connect through technology:
Video Chat
Video chat is a great way to see your partner's face and hear their voice in real-time. You can use apps like Zoom, Facetime, Skype, or any other video chat app that you both prefer. Set up a video chat date and plan activities below like cooking together, watching a movie, or playing games.
Send Video Messages
Sometimes, you just want to send a quick message to let your partner know you're thinking of them. Video messages are a great way to do this. Use your phone or any other device to record a short message and send it to your partner. It's a great way to stay connected throughout the day.
Game Night
Play online games like Scrabble, Chess, or other online games together. You can even have a virtual game night with other couples in long-distance relationships. When Dan was in the military and had stable internet, we'd play our favorite PC games together while on the phone and it made him not seem quite so far away.
20 Questions
Take turns asking each other 20 questions to get to know each other better. You can make it more interesting by setting a theme for the questions, like “favorites” or “dreams and aspirations”.
Work Out Together
Join a virtual workout class together or create your own workout routine to do over a video call. It's a great way to stay healthy and bond with your partner while sweating it out.
Watch a Movie or Concert
Use a streaming service to watch a movie or concert together over a video call. You can even make popcorn and snacks to enjoy during the show.
Virtual Museum Tour
Take a virtual tour of a museum or art gallery at the same time while chatting on the phone. It's a great way to learn something new and appreciate art and history together.
Wine or Beer Tasting
Order a wine or beer tasting kit and have a virtual tasting session together. You can learn about different types of wine or beer and bond over your shared love of drinks.
Take a Masterclass or Learn a New Skill
Take an online class or learn a new skill together. It's a great way to challenge yourselves and grow together as a couple.
No matter what you choose to do, the most important thing is to connect and enjoy each other's company. With a little effort and creativity, you can have a fun and romantic long-distance date night with your partner.
Learn Your Love Languages
Understanding your partner's love language is a game-changer for long-distance relationships. We all have our own way that we best feel loved, right? For some, it's quality time together even if it's just a video call date night.
For others, it's getting a cute little care package in the mail with their favorite treats. Maybe your partner is a sucker for a heartfelt text telling them how amazing they are.
Once you figure out if your person's love tank gets filled up by words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, or physical touch, you can be so much more intentional about speaking their love language from afar. It's like having a reference guide for making them feel utterly adored despite the miles between you.
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Movie Night
Movie night is a classic long-distance date idea that never gets old. It's a great way to spend time together while still being physically apart. Here are a few ideas to make your movie night special:
Choose a Movie Together
Decide on a movie that you both want to watch. You can either choose a movie that you both haven't seen before or a movie that you both love and want to watch again.
Set the Mood
Create a cozy atmosphere by dimming the lights, lighting some candles, and snuggling up in your favorite blanket. You can also set up a video call so that you can see each other while you watch the movie, or just have your phones next to you on speakerphone.
Get Snacks
No movie night is complete without snacks. Make sure to stock up on your favorite snacks and drinks before the movie starts. You can also order food from a local restaurant and have it delivered to your partner's house.
Chat About the Movie
After the movie is over, take some time to discuss what you liked and didn't like about the movie and your thoughts. You can also share your favorite scenes and quotes from the movie.
Try a Movie-Themed Date
If you both love a particular movie, you can plan a date around it. For example, if you both love Christmas movies, you can bake cookies and watch a favorite Christmas movie together.
Virtual Dinner Date
If you and your long-distance partner are looking for a way to feel closer, a virtual dinner date is a perfect solution. With a little bit of planning, you can have a romantic evening together, even if you're miles apart.
Order food delivery from your partner's favorite restaurant and have a virtual dinner date over a video call. You can even set the mood by lighting candles and playing some romantic music in the background.
Plan the Meal
First, choose a restaurant that offers delivery or takeout in both of your areas. Make sure to coordinate the timing so that your meals arrive at the same time. This will allow you to enjoy your meals together, as if you were sitting across from each other at a restaurant.
Set the Mood
Set the mood by dimming the lights and lighting candles. You can even create a playlist of your favorite songs to play in the background. Dress up as if you were going out to a fancy restaurant, and encourage your partner to do the same. This will make the experience feel more special and romantic.
Focus on Each Other
During your virtual dinner date, make sure to focus on each other. Take turns asking each other questions, and really listen to your partner's answers. This is a great opportunity to connect on a deeper level and learn more about each other.
Cook Together
If you want to take your virtual dinner date to the next level, consider cooking the same meal together. You can coordinate the ingredients and recipes ahead of time, and then cook together over video chat. This will allow you to bond over a shared activity and create a meal together, even if you're not in the same kitchen.
Activity Ideas
When it comes to long-distance date nights, finding fun activities to do together can be a challenge. But fear not! Here are some activity ideas to help you and your partner stay connected and have some fun.
Virtual Walk Together
Pick a scenic route or a park you both love and use a video call to show each other what you see. This is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while spending time together.
Read and Discuss a Book
Another activity idea is to read the same book or article and discuss it together. This can be a great way to learn more about each other's interests and have a thoughtful conversation.
Craft Projects
If you're feeling crafty, try working on a project together. This could be anything from painting to knitting to building something. You can share progress pictures and give each other tips and encouragement along the way.
Coloring Together
For a more relaxing activity, try coloring together virtually. There are many adult coloring books available online, and coloring can be a great way to de-stress and unwind while chatting with your partner.
Morning Coffee Date
For a simple but sweet date idea, have a morning coffee date over a video call. You can catch up on each other's lives and start the day off right together.
Romantic Gestures
When it comes to long-distance relationships, it's important to keep the romance alive. Here are some romantic gestures that can help you show your partner how much you care:
Love Letters
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a handwritten love letter. Take the time to write down your feelings and express your love in a heartfelt way. You can even spritz the letter with your perfume or cologne to make it extra special.
Care Packages
Sending a care package filled with your partner's favorite treats, a cozy blanket, and a handwritten note can make them feel loved and appreciated. You can also include small gifts that remind them of you, like a keychain or a piece of jewelry.
Flowers
Surprise your partner with a bouquet of their favorite flowers. You can order them online and have them delivered to their doorstep, or you can send them a picture of a beautiful flower you saw on your walk. It's a small gesture that can go a long way.
I saw a comment once that the only time most guys get flowers is at their funerals. That's so sad and many guys would love to get flowers!
Sunset Watching
Watching the sunset together over a video chat can be a romantic and calming experience. You can even plan to watch the sunset at the same time and share the moment together.
Mixtape
Create a playlist of songs that remind you of your partner and share it with them. You can even record a personal message between each song to make it even more special.
Virtual Stargazing
On a clear night, set up a video chat and treat yourselves to a romantic cosmic experience by stargazing together if you're both in areas where it's dark at the same time. Take turns mentioning the constellations you each see, or simply admire the twinkling dance between stars, planets and galaxies. It gives Fievel “Somewhere Out There vibes! (Yes, I'm an old milennial and that was my favorite movie everrrr growing up!)
Future Travel Planning
For couples counting down until they can finally reunite and travel together again, spend a date night co-creating an aspirational trip itinerary! Research bucket list destinations, plan surprise adventures, map out a dream road trip and more. Building anticipation makes the next trip that much sweeter!
The distance may seem daunting, but getting creative and intentional about nurturing your relationship can make those miles just about disappear!