Elephant’s Continually-updating Coronavirus Diary. ~ Waylon

Thank goodness for technology and online dating, now more than ever.

During this strange self-isolation and quarantine era, we can stay connected through tech. Whether it’s a post on social media, a text message, or a video chat, we can keep in touch with the people we care about the most, even if they’re miles away. 

So, you are single and ready to mingle, and then all of a sudden, you can’t go out. Why let that stop you from having some dating fun? 

Thanks to technology, there are now even more ways to be connected without meeting. Whether you are beginning on your romantic journey or deep in the throes of romance, there are so many things you can do.

Let’s not forget that this is not going to last forever, so put this time to good use:

Get online and start browsing the personals of potential dates. Pick up online with the last date you had and keep checking in. Have a virtual date—video chat means you can have a drink and chat face-to-face even at a safe distance.

Line up a date that you can meet when all this is over and spend the next few weeks getting to know them better. Use this time to find out everything you need to know and meet the ideal girl or guy. Have a virtual movie date.

You don’t have to go to the cinema together to enjoy a film date night. Put on a movie at the same time and watch it together. Imagine you’re watching it at the cinema together. Pour yourself a drink and get the snacks ready. 

It’s a great reason to get dressed up—put on your best clobber, do your hair and makeup (ladies), and then grab your snacks. If you prefer, maybe you want to wear something a little bit more comfortable, but still, make an effort with the hair and makeup. 

Hint: want a little more steam? Nothing is stopping you from wearing your best underwear (wink).

Now, apart from the language of love, it is essential to choose movies in the right language. I would recommend that English is probably the most widely recognized language, so let’s go with the top 10 of date movies that are perhaps more well known in the Western world. 

These won’t be any good for the sci-fi or horror buffs amongst you, but here are some romantic flick suggestions to get you both in the mood for love. 

The 10 best romantic movies, perfect for a long-distance date: 

1. “The Notebook” 

This can be found on Netflix and other streaming services currently.

2. “Titanic” 

A sad ending, but certainly a love story.

3. “Pretty Woman” 

A classic romantic movie.

4. “Armageddon” 

Unless you want to stay away from the end-of-the-world type storylines.

5. “Notting Hill” 

You can’t beat a good, old British classic.

6. “City of Angels” 

Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan—and a touching story.

7. “Sleepless in Seattle” 

A 90s American love story.

8. “Runaway Bride” 

Another classic featuring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

9. “50 First Dates” 

If you like Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, this is a great choice.

10. “Love Actually” 

Another Brit classic with some love stories running concurrently.

All that is left to do is decide on your film of choice, pick a date and a time, sit back and enjoy your virtual date—just as if you were at the movies. 

And this time, no one needs to pay for the tickets, and you can enjoy a bit of flirting and whatever else takes your fancy in the privacy of your own home.