Love languages used to be so easy. Take the test, apply it to real life and suddenly you get a whole new understanding of how your partner, friend or family member shows love. You also get to brainstorm some ideas on how to show your love to them.
But the implementation of the community quarantine has made it impossible and irresponsible to act on those ideas. The succeeding extensions have also made it even more difficult to schedule possible dates, homecomings or nights out. Going on lockdown is a pretty tough feat, especially if you’re going through it alone. There are a lot of mental demons that come out when you’re cooped up at home, worrying about yourself and the world.
At the moment, love languages of old, namely quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts and physical touch have morphed into activities born out of quarantine necessity. Proving that love always finds a way, no matter how bizarre the world’s circumstance is, quarantine love languages are the crutch that people are now relying on to show affection.
If you’re having a hard time figuring out how to speak someone else’s love language because of the limits of the quarantine, here are some ideas to help you out.
Going on an endless video call saying nothing (and everything)
Whether it’s a Zoom quiz night, a Netflix party or an e-numan, quality time now happens through a screen. Getting to see each other in a time where no one is allowed to venture out of their homes is already a blessing—so take advantage of it. Call your SO the moment you wake up and go through your quarantine routine together. Go on a Netflix party while letting that deadline pass. Watch each other take that 10th afternoon nap. Put your phone in a Ziploc bag and shower “together.” You guys don’t even have to speak, because having someone you love so much there with you can be enough to fill the silence and loneliness you may be feeling.
Send over your best batch of baked creations
I get it, you’ve been on that sourdough and banana bread train since you followed baking TikTok accounts and putting it on Instagram is not enough. Your mom has to give her approval stamp and your dad has to propose that you turn your quarantine creations into a legitimate baking enterprise. Thankfully, delivery services are still up and running—pour your heart out into this batch, book a driver and send out your goods. While waiting for their feedback, search for more recipes because hey, maybe your dad has a point.
Surprise them with a customized “Animal Crossing” outfit
If it’s not on Zoom, all events and meetings and gatherings happen in “Animal Crossing.” Whether it’s a graduation or a date night or a play date, make your SO’s or sibling’s day by gifting them with a customized outfit. Draw inspiration from their real-life style or the style inspirations they share with you. You can even create their pre-ECQ looks just to harken back to the times when we didn’t have to meet on an online island.
And for those who don’t have ‘Animal Crossing,” don’t despair! “Club Penguin” is free and can always host an ice-fishing and sled-racing party.
Create an elaborate TikTok version of your meet-cute
Words on a screen can only go so far when you haven’t seen each other in months. The best way to show your SO that you love them and are thinking of them every second spent in quarantine? Storify your first meet up and upload that on TikTok. Give yourself acting, writing, directing and producing credits and remember, make it funny. Let it rival “Romeo and Juliet.” Show all the reasons why you fell in love with them through an inner monologue (preferably with a sparkling filter). Let everyone in on how you fell in love and how you’re staying in love—quarantine, be damned!
Break social distancing rules and hold that hand
I am kidding. Please don’t.
Header photo courtesy of Edward Jenner on pexels
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