Well-Ventilated Dates!
Dear Em and Lil,
Help! What are some ideas for great, in-person dates during COVID? I met a guy and we went for a hike and brewery (date 1) and mini golf (date 2). He isn’t ready for the indoor restaurant scene just yet. He is open to indoor homes so maybe board games, movies, and cooking together. What else?
-Back in the Saddle
LIL: I’m really excited for you, because there are a ton more fun outdoor options to choose from! How about a campfire or cookout? You can probably find a park in your area that has grills or fire pits available to the public. And once it gets warmer, have a beach day (rivers, ponds, and lakes work too!) Go swimming or rent a canoe or kayak for a couple hours. Farmers markets and summer beer gardens are starting to open up, and you might even be able to find outdoor live music that still allows you to stay distanced enough for your comfort.
But honestly, the cooking, games, and movie night you have in mind is a classic choice! It’s especially fun to make a meal in tandem, so try a recipe like spring rolls, where you put out all the ingredients and then sit down together and assemble them. Or make fondue, where you can cook and eat at the same time!
And now, excuse me for getting on my soap box, but if you’re planning a game night, I have to put in a plug for Yahtzee! This game is perfect for dates. It’s simple enough to play while chatting, eating, or drinking but complex enough that real board game people still find it entertaining. Many people think Yahtzee is just a game of luck, but it takes strategy!
EM: Lillian already gave some great ideas so I am going to veer off the advice path and just mention some stuff that I am excited to do during the sunset of COVID (hopefully):
Local tourism. Massachusetts friends, have you been to Quincy? What is Westin all about? I find un-hyped tourism to be particularly fun because there is no pressure to enjoy anything. It is so underrated to explore places that are not known for anything. Check out bodegas, get Chinese food, whatever you like! This can be even more fun if you gamify it, perhaps with Pokemon Go or just by saying that you’re looking to sample a taco from every town in your state.
Make a weird food. This is the weird food I am looking forward to making. I’ll say no more.
Wine? Wine.
