Photo via Getty Images

To say 2021 won’t be your typical Valentine’s Day would be an understatement. Almost a year after COVID-19 shutdown pretty much every romantic destination outside of the house, couples everywhere are now being forced to come up with creative ideas to celebrate their love for one another at home.

But just because we’re stuck inside, doesn’t mean this year’s V-Day won’t be special. Sure, the old Netflix-and-chill recipe might be a little tired at this point of quarantine (nine months and counting…), but there are a million other fun dates to take part in at home. Take a peak below at our list of fun and creative at-home date ideas for Quaran-tine’s Day (see what we did there?)

1. Game Night

Make Valentine’s Day an opportunity to bring out you and your partner’s fun side. Break out some tried-and-true games that work for two people like Twister, Jenga, Code Names or Guess Who. But if you want to keep the good vibes going, avoid ultra-competitive games like Risk or–god forbid–Monopoly…

2. Wine & Paint Date

Going to your city’s local Paint & Sip studio might not be an option this year, but you can always bring the studio into your own home. Prepare for your at-home wine and paint night by heading to a nearby craft’s store to stock up on canvas, paint, and paint brushes. Then, hit up a wine & spirits shop to pick out a few high-quality vintages for you and your Valentine.

3. At-Home Spa Night

If the COVID life is stressing you out, think about unwinding with your amor with a spa night. Prepare a night of candles, mud masks, bubble baths, and of course, massages for you two to enjoy together. Relaxing never felt so sexy.

4. Rom-Com Movie Marathon

Sure, not everyone is into rom-coms (apparently some people think they’re cheesy?), but if you and your lover are both fans of the feel-good genre, create a list of your favorite movies to watch together. Don’t forget the popcorn and the milk duds.

5. Bake-at-home Date

What’s sweeter than sugar? Literally nothing. Bond with your novio/a by making a delicious creation together. If you two are both novice pastry chefs, try out some simple cookie or cupcake recipes. If you both are up for a challenge, think about making traditional Latin pasteles like alfajores, milhojas, or pastafrola.

6. Fondue Fun

If you and your amor are both the type of people who like their dates to revolve around food (and look, we can relate), consider having a fondue night. With fondue, the possibilities are endless. You can go the savory route, dipping veggies, meats, and bread in queso or hot oil. You can also end your meal with a dessert fondue of chocolate y fruta.

Notice any needed corrections? Please email us at corrections@wearemitu.com

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, which means that if you’re single, you might be taking a good, hard look at the state of your love life. If, like many of us, you’ve spent the past year focusing on your own growth and self-development, then you might be ready to jump back into the dating pool. 

But if you feel off your game or unsure of how to proceed in this brand new, post-COVID world of dating, fear not! We’ve employed the help of Jorge Lozano H. to give us the do’s and don’ts of finding love in 2021.

Jorge Lozano H. is a best-selling author, speaker, and dating expert who knows exactly how challenging this new dating scene is–but he also knows how fun it can be. Lozano shared his tips and tricks with us on how to attract “the one” in 2021. Check out his advice below!

1. Spend More Time on Dating Apps

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Benjamin Daly (@benjamindaly)

We know, we know. There are about a million-and-one dating apps out there. But it’s a simple fact that you can’t find something if you’re not looking for it. Download one or two dating apps and commit to spending time and effort on finding a viable match (so, no mindless swiping).

If you feel like the sheer number of options is too overwhelming, try out a dating app that narrows down the dating pool by common interests–like Chispa, the dating app specifically made for millenial Latinos. 

2. Confidence is Key

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chispa (@chispaapp)

It’s tempting to approach every date with a pessimistic mindset. Sure, there’s “plenty of fish in the sea,” but there’s also plenty of duds in the sea as well. Lozano suggest looking on the bright side by trying out positive affirmations.

“Go into every virtual date with a positive mindset by repeating these eight words when you need a confidence boost: ‘I want, I can, and I deserve it,'” he says.

3. Build meaningful connections

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Drew Anthuny (@drew_anthuny)

Lozano suggests creating “emotional anchors” during your conversation with you date in order to make meaningful, memorable connections. Lozano suggests bonding over common interests like similar tastes in music or the favorite Banderas you have in common.

4. Don’t be a “bad texter”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chispa (@chispaapp)

Even if a potential partner is head-over-heels for you, that doesn’t give you an excuse to be a bad texter (i.e. giving low-effort, one-word responses). “Elaborate, ask questions and show interest so your potential novio/a will keep you in mind at all times,” says Lozano.

5. Flirt with finesse

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bruno Huacón (@bryanhuacon92)

If you’re wondering why none of your matches are graduating to the next step, like a FaceTime date or a virtual date, it might be because you’re not giving them much to work with. “Coquetear adds an extra spice to any conversation,” says Lozano. He suggests using three universally-beloved topics to keep the convo going: food, pets, and (pre-Covid) travel of course.

Now that you’re armed with Lozano’s great advice, you’re ready to take on the 2021 dating scene with renewed confidence. Now head out there and find your soulmate!

Notice any needed corrections? Please email us at corrections@wearemitu.com