The Art of Dating Yourself + 10 Self Date Ideas to Try Now

Interested in dating yourself? Read on!

If you’re bad at finding time to do all the things you love in life – have you thought about dating yourself?!

It’s a concept that sounds interesting. Sure, we go places by ourselves all the time. The grocery store, the mall, driving to pick someone up, but as I’m sure you’re thinking – these tasks are NOT a date!

Taking yourself on a solo date means doing something…

fun

relaxing

thought-provoking

creative

active

crazy

…and you’re doing it all for you with only you.

If you’re the type of person who waits to do certain activities with others, but never gets to do them because other people aren’t interested, what are you waiting for?

If you're the type of person who waits to do certain activities with others, but never gets to do them because other people aren't interested, what are you waiting for? Go on a date with YOURSELF! #BeHappy #Selflove #Selfcare Click To Tweet

Before I get into some amazing dates you can take yourself on, here’s why dating yourself should be at the top of your self-care list…

You get time away from the craziness of home/work/life to cherish yourself and enjoy your own company. Need I really say more at this point?!
Dating yourself means you can try something new.
You don’t need to compromise for anyone. Do what you like!
You can complete items off your bucket list.
You can grow as an individual.
Going on a date with you means you are showing yourself love. This is good for you and the people are you.

The art of mastering the “solo date”:

1. Dedicate a specific day and time for your date. Put it in the calendar and make sure to follow through.

2. Alternatively, be impromptu! If you find yourself with some free time, try ditching the laundry and go out for a couple of hours instead.

3. Choose a date idea that fits your current mood. Stressed? Perhaps go for a pedicure and a long walk. Feeling like you need to expand your mind? Hit up the museum.

4. Don’t procrastinate. Once you know what you’ll be doing, do it! Get out there and make it happen.

5. Have a mantra. If you’re the type of person who isn’t used to (or comfortable) going to places on your own, try this little mantra. Say it in your mind… ‘I am looking after myself and trying something new. I love myself and I deserve this’.

Now, let’s get these dates planned!

Fun things to do on your own. 10 self date ideas…

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1. Bookstore and a Coffee

For those bookworms out there, when was the last time you had some good reading time in your favourite cafe? First, go to a bookstore or library and get lost in the new reads all around you. Take your time, look through potential books and enjoy your relaxed environment. Once you make a selection or 2, take yourself to a coffee shop or cafe, grab a drink and start turning those pages!

Tip: Stay for as long as you can. Immerse yourself in your book and do some people watching at the same time 🙂

Here are a few of my absolute favourite reads… The Alchemist: Paulo Coelho, Life of Pi: Yann Martel, A Fine Balance: Rohinton Mistry, The Nightingale: Kristin Hannah

2. Watch the sunrise or sunset

We all have beautiful places not far from where we live and what better way to enjoy them then being there when the sun comes up first thing in the morning, or when it goes down at night.

I have a park on the water near my house where the sun rises over my beautiful city. As part of my quest to go on more dates with myself, I’ll be heading there more to see the glorious day wake up.

Think of where you can enjoy a sunrise/sunset and take yourself there with the goal to have some quality quiet time. It’s a fantastic way to set yourself up for a positive day or to wind down at the end of the day to contemplate life.

3. Try a New Activity

We all have things in our mind or on our bucket list that we want to try. Why not make this activity your weekly date with YOU?!

I used to walk past a belly dance studio in my old neighbourhood for about a year with the thought that I’d like to try it one day. Well, I finally signed up and enjoyed 6+ years of weekly belly dancing classes. I did this for myself – to grow my self-esteem, to laugh, have fun and spend time with great women.

What do you want to do? Grab some inspiration from this amazing book on bucket list ideas and stop thinking about it or planning on doing it one day… do it today!

(At the end of this article share in the comments what you want to try).

4. Picnic

Take yourself on a picnic to a local park! You can either pack a small lunch beforehand or purchase some food at a nearby cafe or grocery store. I found these lovely insulated bags which are also perfect for the occasion. Now your quest will be to find the perfect tree to enjoy your picnic under.

Here’s the best part: Once you’ve eaten to can have a nap, enjoy a book or listen to music.

5. Dinner & Wine

Who says you can’t make yourself a gorgeous dinner along with a glass of wine or 2? If you know there is a night that you can arrange to be home alone, then treat yourself to a dish that only you love!

I do this whenever I get the chance. In my home, half of us don’t like fish so I don’t get to eat it very often. If I know I can be home alone one night I’ll make a healthy and delicious fish dish along with some great wine.

To make your evening even more perfect, you can sign up to a free trial of Amazon Fresh, then you can have your food delivered and pair your meal with a little Netflix binging and it’s the perfect night!

Need I say more?!

6. Spa Day

This date doesn’t take much convincing! I ask you this though – have you done the proper spa experience. The kind of spa I’m referring to are spas that have therapeutic waters like these examples in the Toronto area: Body Blitz, The Scandinave. They offer time in their waters plus the spa’s include everything you would expect – massages, pedicures, facials, etc.

Have a look in your area to see if you can find spas similar to this. If not, enjoy a treatment at your local nail salon or see a massage therapist.

If you want to have a more affordable spa day you can do it at home. Get out your essential oil diffuser, beeswax candles, face mask and bubble bath and truly spoil yourself! Don’t forget to put on a robe and put your feet up after 🙂

Discover the Art of Dating Yourself + 10 Dates to Take Yourself On Now! #selfcare #selflove #BeHappy #Balance Click To Tweet

7. Cooking Class

If you’re someone who enjoys trying new foods and exploring in the kitchen, sign yourself up to a cooking class. It could be a 1 day program where you make your meal and then enjoy eating it after, or perhaps it’s a weekly program. (I’ve done both but absolutely loved a number of weekly baking programs I did at a local culinary school).

Whatever your choice, doing a cooking class on your own is fantastic, as yes – you are attending solo, but you will still meet new people and learn some new skills. And of course, there’s the luscious food you’ll be eating!!

Did you know?! You can take online cooking classes with some famous chefs like Gordon Ramsey, Wolfgang Puck and Alice Waters 🙂

8. Walk & Flowers

This is one of my go-to self-dates. I love going on a long walk – sometimes through a new neighbourhood, a park or my own area. This is a good time to do some thinking, a little exploring and of course exercise.

I follow this up with buying myself some flowers on the way home. After all, who says you have to wait for someone else to buy you flowers? Just do it for yourself!

If you did this date for yourself, where would you go?

9. Museum and Lunch

This is the ideal day out for anyone looking to do something new for themselves. Find a museum, art gallery or outdoor exhibit and take it all in on your own. You can take as much time as you need or move quickly.

I love doing this by myself as I find most people move through museums at different speeds and it’s never fun to feel rushed or to be waiting on someone!

Finish the trip off with lunch at the gallery or museum restaurant or pick another location close by.

10. Take Yourself to the Movies

If you haven’t done this before, don’t be shy about going alone. Here’s the deal, you don’t have the share the popcorn, you can watch whatever you like and sit in your favourite spot!

If you have done the movies on your own and love it – then take the time you need and go more often.

It’s a fun way to escape every day and just enjoy!

–

As you can see there are a lot of fun things to do on your own. Going on a self-date is the perfect way to enjoy new hobbies, get some much-needed self care and bring more balance to your life.

So what are you waiting for?!

Tell me… Would you date yourself and which dates are you likely to try?

Share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Related Self Care & Personal Growth Articles:

The Importance of Self Love + 7 Exercises to Love Yourself Today

Morning Self Care Routine. New Ideas to Start Your Day

How to Live in the Present & Reduce Overwhelm

Time Blocking Your Way to a Balanced Life

How Entertaining Enhances Your Life & Relationship

5 Easy Ways to Find Time in Your Busy Schedule