It's official: Pokemon Go has hit both iTunes and Google Play, and it is sweeping the world by storm. It has been reported that Pokemon Go has not only surpassed Instagram and Twitter on the top 10 charts, but it has also passed Tinder. From England, where it was just released, to Australia and Japan, and back here in America, everyone, even couples alike, are taking advantage of the app and are becoming more active in the outside world.
The approach Nintendo was making when they first announced this app was to make Pokemon more of an interactive adventure, and literally letting you catch them and be the very best—like no one ever was. My boyfriend and I are taking advantage, and it has brought us closer. Yes, Nintendo can save relationships, and make yours more fun with your significant other.
As the game still controls the top spot of the gaming charts, here's a list, strictly for couples, on how Pokemon Go can improve your relationship and give you both a challenge to catch them all and level up.
1. What team are you on?
There are three main teams: Team Valor (red), Team Mystic (blue), and Team Instinct (yellow). Once you reach level five, you are able to choose what team you are on. Mixing it up and choosing two different teams might not help, but choosing the same team with your significant other can help build teamwork, and you both can celebrate a win on the same team. My boyfriend and I are on team Valor.
2. Hunting for Pokemon
You have to admit, hunting for Pokemon is fun, even if you are doing it by yourself or with friends. My boyfriend and I do this thing where we would text each other the new Pokemon we find, or the same type, but with a stronger CP. When we are together, we hunt for Pokemon through the app by car, and at times, by foot.
3. The Withdraws
Admit it, you've randomly had the app freeze on you or so many players were playing at once, that the servers crashed on you. Don't worry, it's happened to us as well. The best part is they can suffer with you.
4. Overtaking Gyms
The fun part about Pokemon Go is the gyms; there is no Pokemon Go without battling and taking over gyms for your color team. A fun thing with the gyms is you can play with your significant other and battle against the other color and conquer the gym after you both successfully beat each level of the gyms. Levels determined by how many players have taken over the gym.
5. The Communication
Believe it or not, but communication can be improved with the help of this app. Back then, we didn't do communication all that well, but with Pokemon Go, it helps bring the communication up and make sure things get done and planned out.
6. Friendship and Romance
Whether you are a single pringle, dating, or with friends, you are more than likely going to run into another group of Pokemon Go players. With each player you meet, you are more than likely going to make a new friend. With the groups you meet, you both can exchange secrets, help each other out with finding Pokemon, and even set up gatherings in nearby cities to catch better Pokemon.
7. Meeting new people
As said before in number six, you are more than likely going to meet new groups of people you are going to connect with. You never know, your new best friend could be on an opposing team, and you two could be the best of friends.
8. Not the same team
Now not being on the same team doesn't break your relationship, but it can show sportsmanship. How well you can take your SO being on a team that you aren't on.
9. The chance for adventure
Going on a trip with your boyfriend? Late night walk? Or maybe even trekking through the woods or even a trail can spark a sense of adventure. No matter where you are, if you don't catch a Pokemon right away, or at all, you at least got to spend time with that important person in your life.
10. Fun. Nothing but fun.
As a fellow Pokemon trainer herself, Asher, a friend, quotes that even though she did not catch Gastly, a Pokemon her and her boyfriend were looking for, she still had fun spending time with her boyfriend.
So when it comes to ways to spend more time with your SO, give Pokemon Go a try. You never know how much of a fan your SO might be when it comes to Pokemon. Don't catch them all by yourself, be the very best with your SO like no one ever was.
