We get too caught up in looking for the perfect babe on Bumble or improving our romantic relationships. And since we’re always making space and time for our loved ones, sometimes we forget the most important person through it all: you. Consider this: How many times have you done this this year? ActuallyHave you thought of some solo date ideas. No, I’m not talking about a Trader Joe’s run (although it can be quite the self-care), but a real moment of dating yourself.
This may seem completely outlandish to some. How does a date work if it doesn’t have at least two people? This isn’t some ploy to force you to be anti-social, I promise. It’s a push to take better care of yourself, find your love language, and treat yourself accordingly. If that doesn’t convince you, remember this: If you spend your entire life waiting on other people, you’ll be waiting forever.
You know that cute cafe you’ve been eying for months now? Grab your laptop and go! That trip to the West Indies you’ve been pasting on your mood board for the past three years? Book that ticket and get a window spot. Although the journey may be terrifying—introverts, I’m talking to you—there is something absolutely magical in doing things alone. You just need a little push and a long list of bucket lists.
Here are 6 solo date ideas that’ll have you clearing your calendar for the rest of the year.
1. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Connecting with art and history is as therapeutic as it gets. Visit your local museum or gallery to get lost in the experience. When you’re alone, you can stare at a piece or dawdle in an exhibit for as long as you want. Nobody is going to rush you or ask you for your opinion.
Take the time to reflect. How does the art relate to a similar experience you’ve had? Do you feel compelled to do more research at home on a culture you’ve come across? How do the brush strokes on a particular painting affect you? Kudos to those who travel to another city or state to do this.
2. Book a Yoga or Fitness class
It can be fun to exercise with friends, but it can also be rewarding to go it alone. Have you ever wanted to try pilates, but were unable to? You might also be interested in hot yoga. Get to your nearest studio and get moving!
Without being swayed by the commitment of others, you’ll be able to focus on your own goals and stay consistent, and you’ll be able to mold your regimen around your own schedule, too. Besides maximizing your flexibility, the intrinsic gratification you’ll experience will be much better than hearing a compliment from anyone else. And if you’re still wanting an accountability buddy, make friends at your gym or studio.
3. A Mini-Photoshoot
Are you ready to take your first steps towards 1M followers? Even if you’re not eying being the next big-time influencer, grabbing your camera and taking pictures of yourself is sure to be a confidence booster. How many times did you find the perfect background on a girls’ trip, but the pictures just weren’t turning out how you wanted? This is the time to find new poses, best angles, and incredible locations.
4. Take a cooking class
We can all admit that ordering out always beats cooking in, but it doesn’t hurt to sharpen your skills. If you’re exhausted with your current rotation of meals, find a local (or online) class that caters to the cuisine you’re obsessed with or want to know more about. Besides being a great way to connect with family and loved ones, it’s an amazing way to constantly treat yourself. There’s no better feeling than knowing your recipe tastes just as good (if not better) than it does at your favorite restaurant.
If you’re out of luck with chefs that inspire you, Pinterest is always a faithful option. Here are some of my favorites I’m sure you’ll fall in love with:
5. Take out dinner and see a movie
It’s always a good idea to go back to basics. Although there won’t be any moves by your date getting pulled on you (bummer?), it’s a great way to show yourself that these places aren’t only reserved for twos. If you are uncomfortable, ask for one and bring your notebook or laptop. It’ll become easier the more you go.
If you’re an avid moviegoer or just an occasional one, challenge yourself to see a movie you haven’t heard of. It might just be the beginning of a love affair with a new series or actor, or director. You might even be able to pull off some moves yourself by the end.
6. Be a tourist in your own town
Many of us consider home our happy place. It might seem odd to go outside, but I challenge anyone to put on their favorite outfit, turn off DND and treat your city as if it were foreign territory. Look for hidden gems, visit new restaurants, and support small businesses. You never know what you’ll find.
If you’re really feeling up for it, walk, roller skate, or bike ride throughout your city instead of driving. Too often, we use our cars as shields when we don’t need to be in the city we live in. Try a different route and be open to new experiences. It’ll be worth it.
Source: The Every Girl
