💌 #5 Virtual Dates

Love may be found in the tiniest things, as I have discovered through my long-distance relationship. Despite the fact that we have never really met, we have found creative ways to pass the time. We refer to them as our online dates. Despite their unconventional appearance, I still consider them dates. We have created recollections that soften the distance through screens.

Asking, "Would you like to watch something tonight?" or suggesting, "Let's have dinner together online" are common ways that our virtual dates begin. Despite how silly it seems, it has quickly become a favorite pastime of mine. We make the meal together, then settle down at our computers or phones to chat about our day. We pretend to share meals by ordering the same thing every time. He made a joke about having noodles with me once and said, "See? Despite our disparate time zones, we will be sharing a meal together. For a split second, I thought he was there by my side as I laughed.

Watching movies is another one of our favorite things to do together. In order to view simultaneously, we count down before hitting play. As we watch a movie together, we may laugh or react to certain situations, or we may simply remain silent, aware that we are sharing a screen with someone else in the world. I find a lot of solace in those moments, even though they may sound basic. For a brief moment, they bring us closer together, as if the world were a smaller place because of them.

Another event we host is called "music nights." He shares the music he loves with me, and I do the same for him. Whether we're conversing or simply lying in stillness, we listen to each other. I feel a stronger bond with him whenever I listen to the music he shares because of the way music can bring people together. I can't help but feel a connection to one of his favorite songs now. I can't help but think of him whenever I hear it, and it has this unintentional way of making me grin.

On occasion, we will also play small online games. We play "what if" questions and general knowledge quizzes with each other. I appreciate the way these little things bring a smile to our faces and serve as a reminder that love doesn't necessarily require extravagant displays. Sharing joy in small ways can be the most fulfilling thing at times.

Little things he does also often amaze me. He occasionally sends me photos of his surroundings or things that make him think of me. "I hope your day is going well." was his exact words when he once left me a voicemail. Unexpectedly, the sound of his words sent flutters through my chest. When I find myself missing him more than normal, I listen to that message that I saved. It's incredible that even a little voice note can convey a lot of emotion through technology.

Occasionally, I do wish we could do all of this face-to-face. I long for the days of cuddling up on the couch or taking a stroll after supper. However, I always bring myself back to the reality of what we have. Our shared work, the time we spend together, and the thoughtfulness that goes into each message demonstrate that love can exist even when two people aren't physically together. It only requires two individuals who genuinely desire to remain together.

When we do meet in January, I sometimes fantasize about our potential dates. Perhaps we will find joy in recalling these digital encounters and how they brought us closer together. Perhaps we may arrange a real-life version of one of our virtual dinners. I feel both thrilled and moved by the idea. Everything that has happened online seems like a snippet of a much larger drama that is only just beginning to play out.

Even though our virtual dates aren't typical, they are uniquely ours. Because of them, I am reminded that love can blossom with time, thought, and trust. The power of shared experiences—whether it's a movie, an online dinner, or music—serves as a constant reminder that physical distance cannot separate people's emotions. Because we have already spent countless evenings together in the virtual light of our screens, I have no doubt that the day we can sit down in person will seem familiar.