It is not hyperbole to say the last three weeks have been some of the most stressful of my life. I know many people are also struggling with social distancing. Why is it so hard to spend time so much time locked indoors with the people you love the most? I love my husband and my boys, but they are also the most annoying three people on the planet! My mantra for this time is: Nothing happens TO us, but everything happens FOR us. I tell myself that every day. Do you have a mantra that is getting you through? If so, please let me know. One thing that is helping me to get through these unprecedented times is the thought that maybe I am helping other people to navigate these troubled waters. I want you all to come out on the other side, more robust as a couple. My mission is to help people in love explore the world, so they grow together and don't grow apart. You can't explore the world at this time, but I can help you grow together through adversity. To that end, I have written two previous blogs with fun, inexpensive Spring date ideas that are appropriate for social distancing. Circumstances force me to write yet another blog on the subject. I would be thrilled if this were the very last blog I had to write about love and social distancing, but seriously doubt it will be.
Find your zen in your garden (even if you only have house plants). Tending Flowers connect you to the planet as a whole. A connection is the one thing we all need right now.
Lace-up your trainers and hit the pavement while we are still allowed to do so! As of now, Kentucky residents are one of the only states not currently under a Shelter at Home order. There is a good chance that we will be under one of those soon, so now is the time to soak up the Vitamin D.
Take a dance class. Many studios, like First Dance Lexington (www.firstdancelexington.com), are teaching virtual courses via Facebook Live that you can perform from the comfort of your home. My husband and I started private, ballroom dancing classes in January. The virtual courses aren't the same, but they are a fun way to keep working on our nonexistent dance skills together.
Travel virtually. Right now, I'm watching a documentary about the Taj Mahal. I do not doubt that the majesty and romance of this gorgeous tribute to love will enthrall you. Now is the perfect time to add unexpected places to your bucket list.
Learn something new. I have enrolled in a class on Pinterest for Businesses. There are all kinds of inexpensive courses you can take to improve your skills in a variety of subjects. Is there something you have always wanted to learn to do? COVID-19 has gifted you with tons of free time; take advantage of it!
Since you can't travel to Italy, have a gelato date here. Spotz Gelato (www.spotzgelato.com) has 2 locations that are still open for carryout. As you partake of their delicious treats, you can dream of a time when you can eat gelato while strolling the streets of Florence.
Make a romantic playlist for your sweetie. Need some music inspiration? Look no further than the most fabulous DJ's in town, Kentucky Sounds (www.kysounds.com). They will help you curate a list of songs that will show your sweetie exactly how much you love them.
Play with puppies and kittens. You can't be sad when you are near adorable baby animals. Need proof? Puppy breath is yucky, but people still let puppies lick them.
Brighten someone's day and perfect your artistic skills with sidewalk-chalk art.
Plan a formal Friday Night. I know you are living in your yoga pants right now. Maybe that's just me? But make an effort to get dressed up, order take out from your favorite restaurant (mine is Bella Notte www.bellenotte.com), buy a bottle of wine from a local vineyard (I highly recommend Talon Winery www.talonwine.com or Harkness Edwards Vineyards www.harknessedwardsvineyards.com), and get out the good china. Just the act of dressing up and making a production of your meal will make takeout feel special.
Lastly, pay it forward. You probably noticed that I mentioned several local small businesses in this blog. Now is a hard time for small businesses across the world. People are scared of losing their livelihood. Make an effort to support your favorite local businesses. They were there for you when you needed them; now it's your turn to be there for them.
It's so easy to get down right now. The news is always awful. And those in the know are saying the situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. But we will get through this together! We will come out stronger than we were before. Don't let your relationship become another casualty of COVID-19! In need of additional Spring Date Inspiration? You need to check out my two previous blogs: Nine Fun Dates Suitable for Social Distancing and Surviving Social Distancing Together. Are you looking for a romantic trip after all this trauma? Be sure to click here to schedule a free phone or skype consultation.