The health crisis has had an interesting impact on relationships. For some people, the situation has created tension from spending more time together than ever with more concerns than ever.
For one couple, it's had the opposite effect. Dean Gaskin and his wife, Jasmin, have found a way to enjoy a resurgence of romance amid the pandemic. The couple has been careful, avoiding crowded areas in New York City. Instead, they've found a way to bring their own pop-up dates that are dining experiences to different scenic areas. The creative, romantic outdoor dates are inspiring.
Dean and Jasmin have two kids, so they know the importance of alone time. With the help of a pop-up table and chairs and some items from home, they've been able to create unforgettable date nights. Not only is it special for the couple, but in the backdrop of an emptier-than-ever New York, it's a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience they get to share.
The health crisis has caused closures and other effects that have been hard on couples. If you're a couple with kids, time alone has all but gone out the window. It takes a lot to put effort into your relationship in the middle of a situation that's putting stress on every area of your life.
One New York City couple is keeping the romance alive despite current restrictions. For pandemic date night, Dean and Jasmin Gaskin have been enjoying pop-up date nights in different areas. With just a few supplies, they've made some pretty magical moments, which they shared with BuzzFeed News.
"We don't want to do the outdoor dining with other people around. We're not there yet. So we just do it among ourselves," Dean, a high school basketball coach, explained.
"We have a full range of locations we could travel to all over New York City and that can be our date night."
The couple has a pop-up set of table and chairs that they take with them. While it's a fun date night idea, they've also done it with their two kids. It makes for unique memories and some awesome pictures.
This week, Dean and Jasmin took their date night to their most public spot to date. They traveled with their supplies to the Brooklyn Bridge. They enjoyed dinner as the sun set over the New York City skyline.
"I love the New York City skyline so dinner on a breezy bridge that I've never done before was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have picked a better candlelit dinner location other than the Brooklyn Bridge," Jasmin said.
The couple grabbed a tablecloth and set up their table and chairs. Coupled with a few small plants from home, they created some serious ambiance. They sipped sangria and dined on take-out tacos and corn.
"We were getting all sorts of love and encouragement," Dean said. "I guess it's abnormal at first but now we're kind of used to it — just to bring romance back to the city in its simplicity."
The Brooklyn couple have enjoyed a beautiful love story since they first met in high school 20 years ago. Their first pop-up date night on July 12 was to make up for the fact that they were missing out on a trip for their fifth wedding anniversary. They had originally planned on going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
"I just told my husband that I wanted my toes in the sand and he took that idea and he upgraded it," Jasmin said.
"At first, people were looking at us like we're crazy. And then we started getting an abundance of love from beachgoers, so we said, 'Why not just keep it going?'" Dean shared.
The couple has shared their brilliant date night ideas. They enjoyed a double date by the water in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Each of the nights is unique and memorable and brings so much joy to the couple.
Dean says that they haven't gotten any trouble from authorities for setting up a table and enjoying food, but the thought has crossed his mind.
"It's always in the back of our minds but we're not six people out there with beers. It's real subtle," he said.
"And I'm ready to have that conversation if they ever approach me. It's me and my wife and it's all in the name of love!"
