Seven months into the pandemic, the virus seems closer to eradication than we are to finding aliens. Despite the vaccine trials taking place in several nations, experts maintain that it’ll take a while before the world returns to how it was at the beginning of 2020. That means mask-wearing and social distancing measures would still apply on Valentine’s Day.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stated that he expects 700 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to be available by next April. However, a vaccine alone wouldn’t be enough to eradicate the virus. Dr. Fauci stressed that unless we strictly follow health protocols, the longer it will take longer for the world to return to normal.
If you think waiting for April 2021 is excruciating enough, brace yourself for what Bill Gates said. The billionaire philanthropist said that the “very best case scenario” is the world recovering from COVID-19 two years from now. Yes, in 2022. And that’s only for rich countries.
Suffice it to say, we can’t afford to let our guards down on Valentine’s Day. Dinner dates in crowded malls can’t be an option, as well as spending a romantic getaway in a fully-booked resort.
But don’t get dispirited. Distance makes love stronger, they say, so here are some excellent ways to spend a romantic Valentine’s without risking your health:
1. Send a Card or Letter
Why did we stop sending handwritten letters? Did we think social media could express our love better? Just because you can publicly declare your love for your significant other on social media mean that letters have gone pointless. He or she can snap a photo of the letter and post it on Instagram, anyway.
Besides, Valentine’s Day’s traditional description is people showing their love through sending cards or letters, along with gifts like flowers and dinner dates. But since the last might be too risky, you’re left with the gifts and cards. So please make the most out of them; it’s a rare treat!
To start, buy a simple but elegant card-making kit, then do your magic on it. There are countless ways to decorate and personalize Valentine’s cards, so you’ll never run out of ideas. No matter how your finished card looks, your significant other will surely appreciate the effort and the heartfelt words you’ve written.
2. Pre-record a Video Message
If you express yourself better in speaking than in writing, surprise your beloved with a pre-recorded video message. This is perfect when you’re in a long-distance relationship, with you living on another continent. But even if you’re just a few miles away from one another, a pre-recorded message will still give your dearest the butterflies, especially if you’ve never done it for them before.
3. Buy Them a Message
For a partner whose love language is physical touch, letters and videos may not suffice, so try to buy them a message instead. You can book them an appointment at a private spa or send them a self-care kit. Accompany it with a message of you wishing that you were with them. That way, they’d feel loved even if you can’t give them hugs.
4. Solve a Virtual Escape Room
If you’re missing your adventure-filled dates badly, social distancing isn’t a hindrance to that. There are virtual escape rooms on the internet, so find one that your partner will enjoy. Potterheads will have a magical blast touring the Harry Potter-themed room that the Peters Township Public Library in Pennsylvania created on Google Docs. If you crave something more challenging, check out The Escape Game’s offerings.
5. Play an Online Game Together
Gamer couples don’t have to wait for a vaccine to engage in a game night. From feel-good games like Animal Crossing to mind-boggling ones like Tabletopia, the range of games you can play together virtually is endless.
6. Go Nerdy
If you share a curious and trippy mind, find awesome podcasts, books, or articles that’ll satisfy your constant thirst for knowledge. This is helpful for introverted couples who may be uncomfortable with long phone or video calls. You can avoid the torturous small talk by learning material before you, and spend long hours exchanging ideas instead.
7. Ask Them What They Want
Surprises aren’t just for everyone, so before planning any virtual date or giving a gift, play it safe and ask them what they want. Doing so will make them feel more valued, seen, heard, and loved. It’s a great way to improve your communication skills, too.
Next year’s Valentine’s Day may be more grim than exciting, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. With today’s technology, nobody has an excuse to exert any effort, so give your best and overcome social distancing together.
