So there we were – wanting to be together as fast as possible but due to the infamous general lockdown (the first!) there just wasn't a way to reach each other. Making the whole process of building this relationship a lot stranger – and challenging us to be more creative.

Because, when the first regulations regarding covid-19 came through, we were still under the impression that this would blow over rather quickly. It even made Stijn buy plane tickets in advance to travel to St Petersburg, just out of sheer belief and the general feeling that all would be over soon.

A bit like Europe at the start of the first World War. And just like then, now also it turned out to take far longer to get to each other.

So this was our situation, stuck in our respective homes with no possibility in sight so see each other.

What to do… How to make these moments of being separated worthwhile?



Turns out there are so many things that are possible to build your relationship, even in these strange times. Of course it would take too much time to list them all, so we'll just recount the most important ones.

Early on Stijn decided that he would like to read something to Asiya before going to sleep, and after testing some ideas he decided on a little book containing love letters by better known, and some lesser known, writers and artists. It proved to be a real winner, touching Asiya's heart by the choice of letter or just falling asleep while hearing your loved one read to you. Other books followed, but this one was the most special.

Restaurants closed down, so it was all DIY if a romantic dinner would be an option. Luckily there was nothing easier to set up. Pick a date. Check. Cook your food. Check. Light the candles. Again, check. Finally start up a zoom meeting and enjoy each other's company in a different way than just texting. Check as well.

We're not saying we've invented things no one else ever did. And it also isn't about being the most original or creative couple in world history – it's about being (y)ourselves and discovering the other person in his or her identity even though the situation doesn't allow you to be close to each other.

So we set up our shared pinterest account, using it tell the other about ourselves in a visual way, to tease each other and give insights into our dreams and ideals.

If you ever find yourself in need of a good way to have an interesting conversation, this is it.

What better way to go on a date with an acclaimed art historian than a private date to the National Gallery, Stijn thought. So cue a construction involving the both of us "walking" through the virtual museum on our laptops while talking to each other through zoom.

Having a whole museum to yourself and your loved one is great. Sharing this art-ful moment with a glass of champagne in your sofa made it all the more memorable. And trying to find each other in an empty virtual museum when both of you started at another point really might well have been the best part! At least it was the most funny one.

After our virtual museum success, Stijn decided to be his gallant self when Asiya had an online course with Sotheby's. Since it wasn't a possibility to do this in real life, he waited for her outside of the Sotheby's building in London. On Google Street View, that is.

After her lesson finished and Asiya "came out" of the building, we "walked" through London to the nearest pub. Getting "inside" merely meant closing down street view and opening a specific YouTube video featuring hours of pub sounds.

With typical pub drinks and snacks, nothing as cosy to chat about so many things while enjoying the comforts of a "local" bar…

Nothing as romantic as watching the sun go down over the ocean while sitting on the beach with a crackling fire next to both of you. Sadly, the alternative – thanks to a few stunning YouTube clips – was maybe not as grand but it still kept the romantic vibes going.

Another classic, but of course it's a classic for a reason. We found out it's much better to watch a movie together both of you liked and have already seen, so when you're commenting on it or can't stop gazing in each other's eyes there's not a lot to miss. The fact that there might be even more things to talk about – why you like it, what part specifically,… is just a bonus.

And, honestly, how sad is the feeling when you have to end your movie night together because both of you (or worse, one of you) think the movie sucks.

Nothing says "deep conversations" better than a Buzzfeed quiz! Because, honestly, if you don't know which kind of Disney princess your loved one is (and we're not going to share Stijn's result right here) you still have a lot left to discover.

So, cue the hilarious nights of trying to find out which type of city you are by choosing deserts, or which Hogwarts House you belong to. (Ravenclaw of course, the rest are just … ????)

Although it felt a bit weird at first when Stijn suggested it, of course there's not really a lot of difference with reading letters to each other and then going to sleep. Instead now we chose not to turn off our phones (and had them plugged in, obviously!) and let WhatsApp remain active until the next morning you both wake together and see the other one lying there.

This might be the best thing to do to bring your loved one closer, because waking up in the morning next to each other – even if it's an a small screen – remains quite an intimate moment.

Although not as intimate as the next one.

No explanation needed, we think. ????

Just like the romantic dinners mentioned above, this one is kind of the same. This time without the fancy clothing but each with your "out-of-bed" look. Also, it's a nice way to start the day together before one of you has a big day without a lot of time to talk to each other.

And in this way you can have all the croissants just to yourself!