She Strengthens

Reimagining Romance in the Age of Social Distancing

When the pandemic hit, our social lives came to a grinding halt. Gone were the carefree days of meeting friends at a coffee shop or going on a spontaneous date. But as we adapted to this new reality, people got creative – and dating was no exception.

Getting Intimate from a Distance

Stefanie, 27, from Brooklyn, found ways to make virtual dates feel like a night out on the town. She and her partner had a casino night, complete with a themed playlist, decorations, and even a prize system. They also enjoyed a virtual wine and paint night, complete with a charcuterie board and a tutorial video. It was a fun and intimate way to spend time together while staying safe.

Safety First

Kara, 28, from Virginia, took a cautious approach to dating during the pandemic. Before meeting in person, she and her partner talked for two months, ensuring they were on the same page about COVID-19 precautions. They even got tested ahead of time and wore masks or maintained a safe distance during their date. It may not have been the most conventional approach, but it allowed them to feel comfortable and enjoy each other’s company.

Making Virtual Dates Feel Special

Cayce, 32, from Toronto, has been sustaining two long-distance relationships during the pandemic. She and her partners have found ways to make virtual dates feel special, from sending audio messages and short video clips to scheduling regular video calls. They’ve even worked on music and played video games together, making the distance feel less daunting.

Finding Creative Ways to Connect

Francesca, 23, from Massachusetts, had to get creative when she and her long-time girlfriend were isolated for a couple of months. They started having virtual museum tours, watching Netflix shows, and even going on virtual dates where they’d dress up and “meet” on Zoom. It was a fun way to stay connected and feel like they were still going on dates.

Embracing the Unconventional

Leah, 26, from Brooklyn, met someone on Twitter and chatted with them over DM before arranging a Zoom date. They bonded over their shared interests in queer politics and kink, and eventually met in person, taking precautions like getting tested ahead of time and wearing masks. It may not have been a traditional date, but it was a great way to connect with someone new.

Finding Harmony in Shared Interests

Fish, 25, from Maryland, went on a Zoom date where they and their partner listened to each other’s favorite musicals and then discussed them. It was a great way to bond over a shared interest and get to know each other better. They even planned a socially distant park date for the future.

Staying Safe and Having Fun

Rachael, 32, from Pennsylvania, and her girlfriend planned a staycation instead of a trip, opting for outdoor ice skating, a horseback trail ride, and other activities that allowed them to stay safe while still having fun. They even did craft projects and binge-watched movies together, making the most of their time indoors.

Celebrating Life’s Milestones

Irina, 26, from Queens, and her partner have been getting creative with their safe dates. They’ve had romantic dinners at home, complete with candles and dress-up, and even planned surprise outdoor dates with friends. For Irina’s birthday, her partner organized a mini-quest with surprise dates with friends, and for her partner’s birthday, Irina planned a distanced outdoor picnic with loved ones. It’s been a great way to celebrate life’s milestones while staying safe.