When we think about dating, the first thing that usually comes to mind is romantic love. But hear us out: Dating yourself can actually be incredibly (if not more!) fulfilling. Date nights with yourself mean you can do exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it, without taking someone else's interests and preferences into account. Sounds pretty great, right?
From finding the perfect self-date ideas to why dating yourself is such a great idea, here's your ultimate guide to dating yourself.
How to Date Yourself
The first step to dating yourself is accepting the concept, and understanding that you don't need to have a partner to have a great time in your city or town. You also don't need to have a partner to go on vacation, have a cozy night in, go to the movies, or check out a museum.
If you associate dating yourself with being single and pathetic, we'll stop you right there: Dating yourself is actually an amazing, fulfilling activity that you can get so much joy from.
Further, dating yourself can mean really investing in yourself with a journaling practice, extreme self-care, and doing the things you really, truly want to do. It can mean nourishing your body with the right foods, it can mean splurging on yourself, or it can mean trying something new.
Long story short: When thinking about how to date yourself, try to think of it as an investment in yourself. Dating yourself is an opportunity do exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it, without getting another person's input or opinion. With that in mind, you can come up with a "date yourself" plan—and one that brings you excitement and joy.
Why Dating Yourself Is Such a Great Idea
So, why is dating yourself something you should invest in? Here are some reasons to consider.
Dating yourself can help better prepare you for a relationship
When you date yourself, you're investing in you. Ideally, a period of dating yourself will include a lot of self-exploration full of journaling sessions, nights spent at home getting comfortable with being on your own, and maybe even a solo trip to somewhere you've always wanted to go. When you invest in yourself, you're better equipped to enter a relationship whenever the time comes, because you've gotten comfortable being on your own and know yourself better than ever. That will make you a great partner!
Dating yourself can improve your mental health
If you're looking to improve your mental health, dating yourself is a great place to start. As you invest in self-care practices like meditation and therapy and sprinkle in some of the fun activities that bring you joy, you'll likely find that you experience lower levels of anxiety and depression and enjoy life more overall.
You'll learn to enjoy spending time on your own
As Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City once said, "the most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself." Learning to love being alone is one of the best things you can do for your happiness and overall wellbeing—because no matter what else happens, you'll always have yourself. Get to know that person, and enjoy their company.
You'll be able to find your passion
While there's a lot of introspection and self-care involved when you're date yourself, you'll also ideally be pursuing different types of activities or even taking classes. Through this time spent on your own, you may unearth a passion you didn't know existed, invest in a new hobby, or even find a side hustle.
You don't have to compromise
Let's be honest: Life is full of compromises. But the great thing about dating yourself is that it's one of the only times in your life when you don't have to compromise—it's a time when you can be completely, totally selfish with your free time and energy. Sounds like a blast, right?
Solo Date Ideas
Ready to start dating yourself? Use these ideas to get going—some are pure fun, and others are aimed more at introspection and personal growth.
1. Make yourself a nice meal
2. Light candles
3. Have a paint night at home
4. Have a spa night
5. Do something that gets you outside your comfort zone
6. Pack up a picnic basket and have a picnic in your local park
7. Visit an art gallery
8. Try an activity where you have an opportunity to make new friends
9. Go see live music
10. Write in a gratitude journal
11. Read your favorite book
12. Listen to your favorite album
13. Take yourself on a dinner date
14. Go out to happy hour on your own
15. Take a bubble bath
16. Visit a local museum
17. Do something that feels true to your inner self
18. Take yourself out to the movies
19. Take a class to learn something new
Want more great blog posts? Give these ones a read: