A 2020 Couples’ Guide To Summer Romance

Covid-Friendly Couples’ Guide to Summer Romance

All right, so summer 2020 is definitely not going as planned. Many people have had to postpone their engagement, wedding, cancel honeymoons and just generally avoid all kinds of typically summer romance-related fun.

But! Even though we’re all dealing with the pandemic right now we can still keep our relationships fresh and exciting. These summer-centric ideas will help you stay safe while also bringing some romance into your union.

Take a Road Trip
Get some much-needed time away from home by choosing a vacation spot you can drive to, like a campground or home rental. You can stay safe in the comfort of your car on the way there—bring lots of snacks and PPE for gas and bathroom stops!—and get a much needed change of scenery when you arrive at your destination.

Get Artsy Together
Get out in nature and try your hand at some still life artwork. Find a secluded spot overlooking a beach or on a hike and sketch your surroundings. (You could even choose a place right in your own backyard that inspires you!) Even if you’re not all that artistic, you’ll have fun trying to capture your subject and checking out each other’s work. For an added challenge, try drawing each other.

Go to the Movies
Check out drive-in movie options in your area—some venues (like the Rose Bowl in Southern California) are also offering the chance to see films on the big screen without the risk of being in a crowded movie theater. You could even opt to turn your backyard into a cinematic experience by throwing up a white sheet and projecting a movie on an exterior wall. Don’t forget to pop some popcorn!

Connect on a Deeper Level
Use the time you have together at home to really get to know each other. Ask each other thought-provoking questions about topics you may not otherwise talk about, including your own relationship. (Shameless plug alert: My book, 101 Quizzes for Couples, can help you start some interesting and memorable conversations.)

Plan a Dream Vacation
You may not feel ready to travel quite yet or your destination of choice may not be available right now. But now’s a great time to find some romantic escapism by planning out where you’d want to go when the world opens back up. Scour travel blogs together, make a Pinterest board of ideal destinations and check Airbnb for fun places you could stay. All of this advance planning is also helpful so you can budget for your dream vacation now, and then be completely ready to just enjoy it when the time comes.

Double-Date (Responsibly)
If you’re feeling comfortable seeing other people, invite another couple to have socially-distant dinner and drinks with you. Order food and bring your own beverages while you sit at a safe distance in your yard or at a local park. This way, you can catch up in real life and feel like you’re doing something new. (Seeing other people?! OMG!) Having an in-person conversation with other adults will be rejuvenating for your own relationship just because being social is still somewhat of a novelty these days. Crazy times, indeed.