Sex & Relationships

Romance revival: Unexpected date night ideas for couples who are isolating together

Not a single board game in sight.
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Isolation and social distancing has made a lot of things difficult, particularly date night.

While there’s plenty of advice for those looking to online date, ideas for couples who already live together or who are isolating in the same house are limited.

Self-isolation may have sounded great at first: you and your significant other all alone, spending quality time together.

But, you probably learned (very quickly) that being trapped inside all day, every day, is anything but romantic.

If it feels as though your life has become nothing but work, chores, television and nagging, it’s time to bring date night back from its self-isolation induced death.

Here are our favourite ways to rekindle the romance at home.

And there are no suggestions of a games night, we promise.

Put down the take-away and stop the Netflix binge.

(Image: Love And Other Drugs)

C’mon baby light my fire

Got a fireplace? Outdoor fire pit? A Mexican chiminea still lying around from that Spanish décor phase you went through in the 90s?

It’s the perfect time to light that fire (and reignite the one between you and your partner, too).

Cosy up with some cheese and wine or even giant marshmallows, for those with a sweet tooth.

Backyard or balcony picnic

If you don’t have the right equipment to heat things up, a backyard picnic could be for you.

Grab a rug or head to your outdoor setting, light some candles and take the time to reconnect over some tasty treats.

Great outdoors (of your backyard) not for you? Keep scrolling.

(Image: John Tucker Must Die)

A night at the opera

Although IRL performances have been suspended, the famous Sydney Opera House is now live-streaming performances straight into your living room.

The SOH digital season has something for every couple.

There are live talks from the likes of renowned novelist Alain de Botton and beloved culinary goddess Nigella Lawson, as well as live performances from famous musicians and theatre companies.

You can see what’s coming up here.

Want to find your own fairytale romance? Sign up to eharmony today!

Go to the ballet

For lovers of ballet and live performances, The Australian Ballet has you covered.

Launching its digital season, The Australian Ballet is streaming full shows for free so you can watch from home.

Each performance is available for a few weeks at a time and the schedule includes iconic ballets such as The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Romeo & Juliet.

You can see the full details here.

Get cooking

This one can go two ways: things can get hot and steamy as you cook up a feast together, or you’ll want to strangle one another with the spaghetti you attempted to make from scratch.

While slaving away in the kitchen isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, there’s something fun about doing it with your partner.

Trust us, give it a try.

Master a class

Learning a new skill or hobby together can be romantic, exciting and help strengthen your bond.

Since travel is all but impossible right now, Airbnb is bringing cultural experiences from around the world into your home.

Whether it’s learning to make pasta from an Italian nonna (see aforementioned cooking date) or Spanish Flamenco dancing, there are plenty of options for all interests.

You can find out more here.

Watch: Airbnb’s isolation classes. Story continues below.

Score front row seats

Nothing says romance like reliving your first live gig together or dancing the night away at a concert.

If you and your significant other have a favourite band or want to relive a past gig, there’s a good chance you can find the entire concert online.

Tune in and turn your living room into your own private mosh pit, with the added bonus of no pesky fans elbowing you out of the way.

Looking for love? Sign up for eharmony

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