Love Yourself First: Embracing the Solo Date

At its core, a date is simply a time where you enjoy yourself by doing something you love, making yourself feel special, and savoring the moment. And if you think about it, that doesn’t have to involve another person, does it? Dating yourself can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, allowing you to explore interests and get to know yourself better. In this article, we’re gonna get into the what, why, and how.

What Makes It A Date?

So, how’s it different than making a Target run (and treating yourself lbr) on a Tuesday? The key is in the intention. What makes a date a date in your mind? Diner reservations? Drinks? Nice outfits and makeup? Beautiful views? Factor it all in! Prepare for your solo date as you would for any other: go for a look that makes you feel confident, plan an activity you genuinely enjoy, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Treat it as a celebration of you.

Why Date Yourself?

Put simply: self-love and self-discovery. Dating yourself allows you to take control of your happiness while also offering opportunities to recharge. Yes, even extroverts should take a break from others! When you prioritize you-time with yourself, you develop a deeper understanding of your needs and desires. Because those things do change over time and sometimes it takes revisiting them and exploring new things to realize that. 

Discovering Your Perfect Solo Date

Start by considering your own likes and dislikes from past dates or meetups with friends. What element made you happy? What left you feeling unsatisfied? What do you find yourself wishing a date or friend would do for you? Buy your own flowers! Use any insights to craft the solo dates you’ll enjoy. Here’s nine suggestions to get you started:

1. Outdoor Picnic: Pack your favorite snacks and head to a local park. Enjoy the sunshine, read a book, or just people-watch.
2. Museum or Art Gallery Visit: Spend a day exploring the exhibits at a nearby museum or art gallery. Many museums offer virtual tours of their collections, so you can appreciate the art from the comfort of your home.
3. Home Spa Day: Indulge in a spa experience! And it doesn’t have to be luxe if that’s not your vibe. Rose petal soaks, cucumber facials, and zen music is one thing, but a bubble bath or citrusy shower steamers, glitter face masks, and feel-good 80s or 90s music is another thing. 
4. Attending a Class: Sign up for a class, either online or in-person, and learn how to make a new dish, paint, blow glass, or something else you find interesting. You’ll not only have fun but also have something new to decorate with!
5. Stargazing: Find a quiet spot away from city lights, bring a blanket, and marvel at the night sky. There’s just something about stargazing that can make you feel connected to the universe.
6. Café Hopping: Spend the day visiting different cafés, trying various coffee blends, and maybe even writing in your journal or working on a personal project. Don’t like coffee? Try boba tea shops or do dessert spots. 
7. Live Performance: Treat yourself to a ticket for a concert, play, or stand-up comedy show. Enjoy the energy and entertainment of a live performance.
8. Staycation: Book a night at a nice hotel in your city. Enjoy room service, a comfy bed, and any other amenity that sounds appealing!

Dating yourself is a beautiful way to prioritize your happiness and self-discovery. It's a reminder that you are capable of creating joy and fulfillment on your own. By embracing solo dates, you can learn to appreciate your own company, cultivate your interests, and nurture your well-being. So go ahead, plan that special date with yourself, and revel in the pleasure of your own fabulous company.