Remember the days of going to the movies? By either personal choice or the pandemic’s, we’re in a position of being apart, and going to the cinema is out of the question. At first this seems like a real bummer, but perhaps we’re looking at this situation incorrectly. Let’s reminisce for a moment, those yesterdays when the only corona we knew was better with a lime. Seeing movies in the theater meant different things for different people, but in the context of dates, it’s the standard for first dates. Most of us have been down this path, and the result is usually the same. You met someone, that special someone, and long conversations eventually led to the all too familiar phrase, “Wanna go see a movie?” 

After an awkward walk, two 10 dollar tickets, a tub of 20 dollar popcorn, and the 30 dollar gallon of soda, we arrive at a sit dirty seat used by thousands more. Then comes the movie, the questions soon arise, should I look at them, how long should my glance last, did I choose the right movie, while they like me afterwards?  This mental game of doubt and turmoil will last hopefully less than two hours. The movie is now it’s over, and now you have to face another truth. Maybe the show was good or lacking, there was one thing missing, interaction. You rarely looked at each other, except a passing glance. You didn’t learn anything about their character, just stared ahead like a toddler.  Far be it from me to hate on movies, but perhaps the cinema wasn’t as great a date location then we originally thought.   

Consider a new way to entertain yourselves.

Times have changed, and either by personal choice or pandemic’s, we’re now dating apart. The movie theater is out of the question, so we have to resort to other means. There might be the thought of settling for movies over skype or zoom, but had we ever considered, this might be the better option? Before dating long distance, I would have never considered an online movie date. I’m not suggesting going to the movies is lame, or a waste of money, or a tradition that’s long run it’s course. Let’s no forget the point, spending time with people. It’s rare anyone goes alone, since most want the experience with others, especially someone we’re close to. While skype might not be physical, it cuts through the mundane in a way no movie theater could.

Let’s take our scenario, this dream date you’re asking out. Instead of dinner and movie, how many would say yes to take out and Skype? Few turn down a free meal and flick, but only that special someone embraces a different way to entertain. No more overpriced snacks, no more awkward stares, you could look right at the screen to see their reaction. An online movie date, above all the positives, has a bonus that we all overlook during this time of sacrifice. There should be little doubt, the person you’re streaming that movie with, honestly wants to watch it with you. That’s something worth more than opening night, and mountains of stale popcorn. The next time your significant other says “yes” to a Skype dates, they’re saying yes to you.