The most difficult part for us during these trying times is the lack of in-person communication with our extended family, friends, and colleagues. Thankfully, we’re halfway through the circuit breaker period.

We’re sure that all of us are looking forward to seeing our extended family, friends, and colleagues again. But if you think that you’re not able to last 2 more weeks without keeping in constant contact with your loved ones, fret not.

Group video platforms are now on the rise, and here are some of our fave 5 platforms to use to keep in touch with your loved ones during the circuit breaker period, for the next 2 weeks. Ranging from the usual Skype video calls to playing mini-games with your friends via Houseparty, these apps have something for everyone.

HOUSEPARTY

Houseparty is a free-to-download application that allows its users to video call and play quizzes and games with each other. This brings us together online, when we can’t do it face to face. What makes this app stand out is the addition of quizzes and games you can play over a call, giving us the freedom to do more than just talk. It is one of the most popular apps on the App Store.

Available on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Android. More information can be found here.

SKRIBBL.IO

Skribbl.io is a free multiplayer drawing and guessing game, and the largest drawing game online. In one game, there are a few rounds. In every round, someone draws their chosen word on screen, and the others in the group have to submit wild guesses as to what the drawing is to gain points. The person who gains the most points at the end of the game wins. A great way to rewind with your friends on a lazy afternoon, we think.

Play Skribbl.io here. Available on iOS, macOS, and Android.

SKYPE

Before WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Houseparty, there was Skype. Skype is a veteran telecommunications application, specialising in video chats and voice calls. It’s also very family-friendly and has parental control features that allow their children to only add people they know, so parents need not worry.

Skype is available on various platforms, ranging from macOS (for Mac users), to Android tablets, to Amazon Alexa devices. Find the full list here.

ZOOM

Zoom was originally mostly used by business organisations to host business meetings. Nowadays, people use the app to host virtual birthday parties, or virtual classrooms for kids stuck in their homes. Their free plan allows you to host up to 100 participants, have unlimited number of meetings, and a 40-minute limit on group meetings.

Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. More information here.

KAST

Kast is a video sharing app that allows its users to host watch parties with friends. Kast allows you to host TV and movie watch parties with 100+ friends, and you’re even able to play and live stream your games by sharing your screen. These features make Kast stand out from the usual telecommunications app.

Available on Windows, PC, and macOS. Download and find out more here.

Valentine’s Day is coming and if you are always looking for ways to break your usual dating routine(s) with your partner, we might just have the answer for you. Truth to be told, it can be easier than you think. Whenever you see a fun activity that your friends shared on their social media, or from a drama serial, or anything at all – note them down on your mobile phone.

Another easy method is just to recall the things you used to love to do (before life caught up on you). Was it singing karaoke with your buddies? Having a friendly match of snooker? Or simply staying at home playing board games? Revisit them.

There are so many possibilities and even more ways to keep the love alive. Here, we share with you some Valentine’s Day Date Ideas – 9 Fun Activities & Thrilling Things to Do in Singapore.

#1 GAME NIGHT FOR 2

By game, we mean board games, videos games and so much more. No grown adult can get over the thrill of a simple game like Jenga or Monopoly. But of course, you can always snuggle up in bed and fight zombies on your Xbox, too!

#2 BAR HOP

Instead of stationing yourself at one location, go to a couple and try their various signature cocktails. Cocktails are getting more and more love and attention here in Singapore, and everywhere around the world, there are a ton of really interesting flavours awaiting your discovery.

Read: 8 Interesting Cocktails with a local twist you should try in Singapore.

#3 TAKE A TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND

You can rent a motorcycle (if you can ride) or simply grab a bicycle and go for a spin. There are several park connectors for those who are going by bicycles, and for the adventurous ones who are going on a motorcycle, take a route that you normally wouldn’t and navigate your ways together as a couple!

#4 DO VOLUNTEER WORK TOGETHER

Volunteers are always needed in many non-profit organisations. Research online beforehand to check out which organisation needs your help, or if there are any campaigns over the weekend that still requires manpower. Give back to the society together in the company of your loved one; how meaningful!

#5 GO FOR DANCE CLASSES

Venture out of your comfort zone and try something you wouldn’t normally do. Sign up for dance classes; ballroom dancing is a good one to start on. This dancesport is both beautiful and intimate, and requires much communication and coordination. That should pretty much strengthen you as a couple, and we can pretty much guarantee that you will have a “ball” of time here.

7. REVISIT YOUR CHILDHOOD

Think something as simple as building a lego structure or making a kite from scratch and getting it up in the sky. You would not know the absolute excitement of something as carefree and simple as this, until you actually do it with your partner! The simplest joy that you grew up with will always be a bittersweet happiness to relish.

#6 GO TO AN ESCAPE ROOM

Escape rooms are popping up everywhere. Book a time slot and get ‘trapped’ in a room together with your partner. This simple game will have you working together through communication, and it will certainly strengthen your relationship while learning new attributes about each other.

8. PLAN A PICNIC

Not a lavish sit-down dinner kind of couple? You aren’t the only one! Plan a picnic instead. Take the chance to whip up dishes with love for each other, then find a spot in Singapore that bears symbolic meaning to your relationship. Perhaps it is the park where you first kissed, or the Barrage where you first flew a kite together?

8. HIT THE BEACH

When was the last time you took a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores and stop to listen to the sounds of the waves crashing? The beach is somewhere so relaxing, and it calms all senses. Take your lover’s hand, kick off your shoes, and just frolic under the sun at the beach! The best things in life are free like that.

For recommendations on where to dine at on Valentine’s Day, read our guide to the most romantic restaurants in Singapore.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.