Dating can be hard, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for! One way to gain perspective is by dating yourself. It is difficult to decide if someone else would be a good partner until you get to know yourself. Plus, planning fun activities you choose for you is a good excuse to explore new interests.
You don’t need to have a partner or friend to have fun or try new things! Practice getting out in the world solo. Over time you will become more comfortable just being you.
This article explores different activities to consider for your next solo date. It also offers helpful considerations and tips.
Spend some time outdoors
Spending time outdoors can be a great way to connect with the world around us. Take time to have mindful movement on a hike through a beautiful natural space. If you want something slower paced, maybe consider finding a park and having a picnic.
Take yourself to dinner or cook yourself a nice meal
It might feel a little awkward to go to a restaurant alone, but it also might be a great opportunity to have a meal without any distractions. You can really focus on what you want to order, and you can spend some quality time with yourself.
If eating out isn’t in your budget, then make yourself a meal at home and try to make it special by using unique ingredients or a new recipe.
Go see a movie
What’s better than buttery movie theater popcorn? Whether you’re in the mood for a sappy rom-com, action movie, or drama, you can take in the big screen by yourself… and not have to share your movie snacks!
Go to a local museum
Whether it’s focused on art or culture, museums can be a fun way to learn. Some museums have free admission days during the week or month, so be sure to check if that’s an option.
Work on something creative
When is the last time you made something for yourself? If you have a creative hobby, you likely make stuff for other people all the time. If you aren’t into crafting, then maybe this would be a good way to pick up a new skill. Whether it’s beadwork, painting, poetry, or other forms of creative expression, make something that is for you and only you.
Do solo safe
One thing that’s important to consider while you’re doing things solo is safety. Especially if you are outdoors, in a remote area, or in an unfamiliar situation.
Exploration should be fun and exciting, but don’t forget to think about your surroundings. Before you go on a hike or explore a new neighborhood, see if there are any online resources or forums that highlight the fun things to do and any safety concerns. You can also share your location with friends or family members to let others know where you are.
Take the leap
You are worthy, loved, and deserve to be treated special. Even if there are people in your life that reaffirm that for you, it’s important that you’re able to identify your own interests and needs and take care of yourself. So, if solo dating is a new concept for you, try to be open to it and spend some quality time with yourself. Solo dating can be an awesome form of self-care and a good way to get to know yourself and your preferences better.
Resources:
Self-Care
Indigenizing self-care
Author: McKalee Steen is a member of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, and is currently a PhD candidate at UC Berkeley in the Environmental Science, Policy, and Management department. She is passionate about studying Indigenous land stewardship practices, providing resources for Indigenous youth, and the power of storytelling.
