Solo dates

A solo date is an occasion where you do something nice for yourself. It could involve date nights, solo trips, coffee dates, picnics or any event that comes on your way.

How do you go about taking myself on a date?

I know what you are thinking, why should I take myself out on a date? Is it possible? Will people think it's weird? Well look at it as spending time and getting to know that one person you love and in this case that person is you. The key here is to have an experience that leaves you feeling fulfilled.

Look at it as how great it is that you can be your own best company rather than what people might think of you sitting by yourself at that restaurant. This type of experience will make you enjoy the present moment, embrace taking things at your own speed and soak up the joy that comes with being 100 percent in charge of deciding how to spend your time.

If you are nervous about your first solo date you can start slow. This can be by eating at a local restaurant or taking a shorter solo date trip closer to home so that you know the feeling of traveling alone.

Solo date ideas

Solo dates don't necessarily have to be fancy or boujee as we see it online. There are so many ways you can treat yourself on a friendly budget. Here are a few ideas you can spend time by yourself.

• Cinema

Instead of binge watching a Netflix series on your laptop, why don't you experience the fun of watching an outside movie. Once you try it you'll figure have trouble figuring out why you never did it before. You can enjoy a movie without pestering questions and get to pick what movie you love without considering someone else's opinion.

• Active meditation

Going for a walk, run, cycle or tending to your plants in a conscious and mindful way can spur you into a meditative state the does wonders for your well being. Use this time to watch how your buzzing thoughts calm down and allowing you to enjoy moments by yourself.

• Going outside of your comfort zone

This means that doing solo activities with people who don't know is the best way to challenge yourself. This can be signing up for art class, dance class, cooking class etc.

• Get pampered

Get yourself a facial, massage or your nails done. Use the experience to give yourself a mental break. Ensure you come out feeling better both inside and out.

• Dinner

Getting yourself lunch or coffee is one thing but treating yourself to some nice dinner is something else entirely. Go to that restaurant that you've been eyeing and order your favorite dish or drink. Read a good book as you wait for your order.

• Photo album

Create memories by taking pictures of yourself. You can create a photo album for them and see your growth.

• Get cultured

Go to a museum and explore an exhibition. Fill your mind with information about your culture.

• Face mask and movie

Nothing screams self care like a good face mask. Grab your favorite face mask and accompany it with a good Netflix movie while sipping a cup of tea or good wine. You can also add your favorite snacks.

• Redecorate your home/bedroom

Your living space reflects your mental state. Make your home where you love spending your time in. Knowing that you have a lovely space to come home to makes a huge difference incase you've had a bad day. It just makes it relaxing.

Importance of solo dating

First of all a solo date isn't a rejection of love, intimacy or dating in general. It is an opportunity to discover yourself, feel secure and confident with yourself. This helps form healthy habits moving forward.

The most profound relationship we will ever have is the one with ourselves

Enjoying dating yourself helps you not to feel desperate to hold on to imperfect relationships that you know won't work out. You learn to walk out of relationships where you aren't appreciated or rather treated right.

Once you know how to be a great company to yourself, you never have to fear being single or broken up with. You will learn not to be clingy in toxic relationships.

Through solo dating, you can get to observe all shades and nuances of yourself, completely uncolored by the influence of another person.

Don't get me wrong, solo dating is not only for people who are single. You can be in an established relationship and still date yourself. Remember "single" is a relationship status but "solo" is choosing to embrace the adventure of solitude.

There are days you'll feel you are not enough. They key is to continue building a relationship with yourself coz you have you for the rest of your life.

When was the last time you took yourself on a good solo date? Or have you ever taken your self on a solo date? Life passes if you want to wait for other people. Enjoy your time as much as possible. For this festive season take yourself on that date. You deserve it for making it to the end of year.

Happy holidays🎉💛