How to Bring the Romance During COVID
  • Kannan Manoharan

During the COVID quarantine, musical artist Ben Rector penned lyrics to a song that perfectly describes being in a happy relationship amid a pandemic: “If there was anyone I’d want to spend about 100 days with, layin’ in the yard, staring up at the stars, wondering where all the planes went — it would be you."

Honestly, being in quarantine sucks — but getting to spend some extra time with the person you love most? It’s pretty awesome.

Well, until you get bored. Because c’mon: the first 100 days? They were cakewalk compared to the 5 million days (approximately) that have come since in this pandemic.

Now that we’re nearly a year deep into shutdowns, mask-wearing, and all the other quarantine-accompanying things that are part of our new normal, it’s time to face the music: it may be a long while before things are back to the way they were.

That means we need to find new and inventive ways to keep our romance alive during the pandemic, especially with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. And we’ve got some suggestions on how to do just that. 

A couple holding each other

Develop a joint hobby 

Hobbies are a fantastic way to destress — and if ever there was a time we needed less stress in our lives, it’s now. Here’s a list of fun hobbies you can take up with your S.O. during the pandemic:

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Tennis
  • Skiing
  • Yoga
  • Puzzles
  • Video games
  • Board Games
  • Learning a new skill (like juggling, chess, or calligraphy) via YouTube
  • Genealogy (discovering more about your family histories)
  • Cooking
  • Home renovating
  • Cooking
  • Baking
  • Learn a new language
  • Tour virtual exams
  • Painting

And these are just a scant few of the options out there — the possibilities are basically endless. 

Start a couples journal

There are so many different ways to do a couples journal, but the point is to find what works for your relationship. Consider what your goal is: Do you want to log memories about each other? Or say what you love about one another? Or simply chronicle your dating and/or marriage history? Whatever the case may be, there are accommodating journals! Here are a few that we love. 

  1. The Adventure Challenge: Couple’s Edition
  2. A Couple’s Love Journal: 52 Weeks to Reignite Your Passion, Deepen Communication, and Strengthen Your Bond
  3. One Question a Day for You and Me: A Three-Year Journal
  4. Better Together: 100 Prompts for a Healthier, Happier Relationship
  5. The Story of Us: A Memory Journal for Couples

Read books together on communication

Then, of course, practice implementing their suggestions. Here are some of our favorites.

  1. The 5 Love Languages: The Secrets to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman
  2. The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm
  3. Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly
  4. The Relationship Cure by John Gottman
  5. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Sue Johnson 
Flowers next to a bowl

Go on dates — in your own home!

Dating is essential for keeping your romance alive — but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated or expensive. Dates can happen within the comfort of your own home. Here are just a few at-home date night ideas that we think sound like a blast!

  1. Dollar Dates // the Dating Divas
  2. At-Home Spa Date // Columbus Date Night Guide
  3. Couples Jenga // While He Was Napping
  4. Glow in the Dark Scavenger Hunt // Raising Fairies and Knights
  5. Fondue Date Night // Penny for Your Dreams

These are just a few of dozens and dozens of ways that you can keep your romance strong during this crazy pandemic. What are some ways you’ve kept your relationship strong during the COVID outbreak? Tell us in the comments!