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!
Dating yourself 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 TweetRelated: Self Care 101. 9 Ways to Look After You.
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 Dating Yourself:
- Dedicate a specific day and time for your date. Put it in the calendar and make sure to follow through.
- Alternatively, be impromptu! If you find yourself with some free time, try ditching the laundry and go out for a couple of hours instead.
- 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.
- Don’t procrastinate. Once you know what you’ll be doing, do it! Get out there and make it happen.
- 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!
Related: 5 Easy Ways to Find Time in Your Busy Schedule
10 Dates to Take Yourself On…
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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 reads 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 favourite reads…
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? 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).
Related: No Time for Self-Care? Try These 3 Tips Now
4. 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 the every day and just enjoy!
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. Pair that with a little Netflix binging and it’s the perfect night!
Need I say more?!
6. 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?
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. 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.
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 trip off with lunch at the gallery or museum restaurant or pick another location close by.
10. 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. 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.
Tell me… Do you ever go on dates with yourself and which dates are you likely to try?
Share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
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Discover the Art of Dating Yourself + 10 Dates to Take Yourself On Now! #selfcare #selflove #BeHappy #Balance Click To Tweet
This is a fabulous concept and something I haven’t really done. I do like to go the spa on my own though.
Hi Jaclyn! Oh it’s definitely a must. Go book that spa appointment 🙂
Yolanda … l just absolutely love having a music night in alone! If you are feeling a little meloncholy make up a ‘music list’ of your favourite songs …. l always start with Phil Collins, Something in the air tonight, or Against all odds . I do this about once a month, and I love it! Oh! Don’t forget the wine!!! 🍷😀
We definitely sound like we’re on the same page Danny!! 🙂 Great music always lifts the mood and is a great way to get some good quality alone time xox
I love this! Every time my husband takes our kids so that I can have “me time”, I find myself at a loss as far as what to do. Usually I just wander aimlessly down an aisle in a store or try to go sit in a corner and read, but I’ve never really used that time to explore or try new things. Time to break out my old bucket list and make the most out of me time 🙂
Hey Jordan 🙂 That’s great you get to have some alone time. Definitely get that bucket list and start moving through it. Have fun!!
This is so true and important. I realize that I need to go and do things that I like and enjoy!
Absolutely! I think everyone needs a little self dating time in their life 🙂
I did this by going for some shopping alone for me and a movie date alone☺seriously enjoy a lot
Hi Purvi – That sounds like a perfect self date day! Really happy you enjoyed yourself and made the most of alone time.
Oooh museum & lunch sounds amazing! I definitely love indulging on coffee and a good read 🙂
Agree – doing a museum on your own is so fantastic! Of course great coffee and a book are always the best!!
This is such a great idea, Yolanda! And I LOVED learning that you took 6 weeks of belly dancing; that’s incredible 🙂 There are a few movies I’ve been meaning to see, but I never go since my husband gigs on the weekends. Perhaps this weekend I’ll just take myself out instead. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hey Paula! Ha – yes, I was a keen belly dancer for years. I still love to belly dance for fun too!! Definitely go to he movies. I find when I wait to go to the movies I end up missing some good ones. What do you want to see?!
#1 sounds like so much fun for a bookworm like me! The Museum idea is GREAT… I’ve been wanting to go to a museum but my plans to go with friends always fall through.. perhaps I’ll muster up the courage to go alone!
Hey Zahra! I think the museum on your own is the best, that way you can take it at your own pace and see the parts you like most. Give it a try and let me know how it went 🙂
What an awesome and uplifting post. It’s so important to take care of ourselves! I want to do all of these but the cooking class jumped out at me- how fun!
Hi Cayla! Oh yes – taking a cooking class on your own is so fantastic. Definitely give it a try 🙂
Bookstore date with myself?! It’s like you know me ^^. That’s one of my faves. Sometimes just some candles, a hot bath and a good book (surprise) are the best too. I love this! Self love is everything ♡
Ha! Excellent 🙂 Self love sure is everything. Bookstore dates are amazing even if you don’t plan on buying anything. It’s just so good being in a bookstore and looking around. Keep up the amazing book dates!
I love the idea of a self date! as a mom to twins I feel like I never make time for myself, but I think I just might try for later this week 🙂
I can imagine it would be hard to find time for you – but even if you only have 30 minutes free, try and do something you love. It’ll be so worth it 🙂
I absolutely love this! I am single and was always hesitant to do things by myself. Once I began “dating” myself, I fell in love with it. I truly believe this is so important whether you are single or in a relationship. This gives you time to fall in love with yourself and really continue to get to know yourself. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Daniele, I couldn’t agree more. Once you get used to doing things on your own, you’ll want to spend way more QUALITY time with yourself. It is so therapeutic!
I would do this. I love this list!.. I usually go to the movies, shopping, get my nails done or go to the beach! I love spending time with myself as you get to know yourself a little more. 😀
Thanks for sharing
We are on the same page for sure. It’s SO important and such good quality time. Thanks for the note Stephanie!
Love this! Coffee and a book and a walk and flowers sound amazing. Is the money book by Jen Sincero as good as her first?
Hi Laura! Yes, the 2nd Jen Sincero book about money is so interesting. It talks about how our thoughts on money could actually be setting us back from obtaining it properly. Great perspective and lots of good tasks to complete throughout the book 🙂
So many great ideas here. I’ve been loving going to a cafe by myself lately 😀 After trying it I realize being on my own can be so fun. I don’t need to rush and just enjoy the time to myself. I think I will try cooking class and spa next! <3
I really enjoy alone time in a cafe too – just taking life in slowly 🙂 The simple things in life can be so powerful and needed.
this is just beautiful. I need more of your ideas in my life. =)
Awe, thanks so much Dani!! So happy you love the idea 🙂
I must say I have never gone on a date with myself, in fact I’ve never even thought about it. The picnic and Spa day sound heavenly to me!! Thanks for sharing these wonderful ideas 🙂
Hi Juanita 🙂 Well, I’m happy I’ve put the idea into your mind now. It’s such a treat. As long as you’re doing something YOU love it’s win win! Now go out and have that picnic and spa day!!!
I love these ideas! I think I’ll try a cooking class…or maybe a dance class.
Hey Marissa! Good plan – why not try both?!
These are wonderful tips to spend quality time on our own. My mom always teases me when I told her I am having dinner with myself. I set up my table, put flowers, music, and dine alone. It happens rarely, but it’s absolutely wonderful time with myself.
Hi Marjie! It sounds like you are doing dinner right! You should suggest to your mom to give it a try. I’m sure she’ll love it too! I know I do!!
Yess! We must love ourselves as we are the only ones that are with us allllll the time. i wouldn’t want to spend my time with someone who doesn’t like me, so if I don’t like me, then I would make some changes!
Great ideas!
xx
You are definitely thinking about self love in the right way! We must like and love ourselves first and make it a priority! Thanks for the note Diana 🙂
Hi
Great read. Really good list. I already do a few of these on a regular basis. But, I definitely have a few more things that I would like to try, that I’ve been waiting to do with others. I just might have to do a few of them on my own :).
Hi Karen! Thanks for the note 🙂 Definitely go for it! You may actually find that you’ll enjoy them more if you go them on your own!
For the first time in a long time I went on a date with myself today. I went to the canal in my area sat outside while the wind blew, out my feet up to read a book and had a nice little lunch. To top it off I came home and took a nice hot bath and now I am relaxing for the night and I am ready to take on the week.
Amazing! That sounds like the perfect Sunday. You must feel so good that you treated yourself extra special today. Nice one!!
These are great ideas! I’m going to have to figure out what dates I’d like to go on by myself.
I love this post so much. I’m definitely guilty of never letting myself relax, but since certain health issues of mine have been worsening, I have been making a point of putting in more time for self care. I don’t like to go out so a lot of these date ideas aren’t my cup of tea, but an actual cup of tea IS! If I’m feeling like I deserve a night of relaxation, I brew a cup of tea, chuck on a face mask and get lost in a book. It’s magical, and I always feel so much better afterwards!
Thanks so much Indya 🙂 Nice to see you are a fellow tea lover! Having a date with yourself at home is amazing too. I need to pick up some face masks to make it that much better. Sounds lovely!!
I love dating myself 😉 I know some people get weird about doing stuff alone, but I’ll go to the movies or out to a restaurant by myself. I take solo vacations too and it’s great!
Awesome post I’ve been thinking of going to the movies but I got there too late last week to see it. Will def do the picnic – I never thought of that and I will try the book and cafe maybe I can do that tomorrow its a holiday. I’ve been going to the mall taking myself to dinner and going to bookstores buying notebooks so far for my dates your post gave me some fresh ideas thanks much!!
Hi Jiselle! I love that you are already taking yourself out on dates! It’s so good for the soul to spend quality time with yourself 🙂 Glad to hear you’re going to try a few new dates too. Have fun!
Loved the article and I saved it to my Pinterest board under self-care. Thank you for writing it!
Thanks so much Tanya. I hope it gave you some great ideas on ways to spend some good quality time with yourself 🙂
This is a timely read for me. I’m feeling a bit frazzled after some long days of looking after the kids and all of these sound great. Think I need to schedule in a me date. Thank you!
It’s the perfect time 🙂 See if you can get coverage for someone to be with the kids, and put your me date in the calendar. I hope you get to do it soon!
This is great. I love the idea of dating yourself. I have gone to the movie by myself a few times, and while I get nervous because I’m usually the only person there without friends or family with them, once the movie starts I really enjoy myself. I need to do it more often for sure.
Hi Sarah! Thanks for the note 🙂 I think when you take yourself out on a date, it can take a little while to get used to it! Remember, it’s about making you happy. That’s great that you’ve already tried it. Take care!
I was searching on Pinterest and came upon your blog! I can’t remember when I thought about myself and caring for myself. I already take walks and go to the bookstore, but always in a hurry never taking the time to enjoy the moment. Dating myself sounds like a plan!
Thank you,
Adelaide
Oh I just love this idea and it never occurred to me. Rally want to try going to the movies by myself. Sometimes I find my husband or my friends/family don’t have the enthusiasm for the things I would like to do…so why not make a date with myself and just do it. I was wanting to do a paint night (which I really enjoy). Thank you for the post.
Hi Kim! Thanks so much for the note. It’s so true, I think we should still do things even if people aren’t interested. There is something empowering about discovering things on your own. I believe it’s one of the things that truly brings you happiness. Go buy a movie ticket and watch something only you would love 🙂 All the best!
Great list. I’ve done a few of these but haven’t yet eaten by myself at a proper restaurant. lol… But will soon!
Love this post! So many great ideas! As women, I feel like we often times don’t prioritize self-love and care!
Thanks Ashley! I agree – us women are constantly looking after other people so going on a date with yourself is honestly the best form of self care!
I love this post! I loooove bookstores and I actually prefer visiting them alone. I also love cooking and sometimes there is nothing like cooking yourself a nice dinner with a glass (or two haha) of wine! I am lucky enough that my mom raised me to be fine being alone, so most of the things on your list are things that I practiced all through my 20s! I think be able to enjoy your own company is so amazing. Everyone should do it. Thanks for sharing!
xo Chelsea | https://completelychelsea.com
Awe thanks so much Chelsea! I love that you are constantly dating yourself!! It’s the best. I definitely love making myself a beautiful dinner with wine too 🙂 Appreciating good quality alone time is so important for balance. Thanks so much for the kind words! xo
I have watched sunset from a nearby park alone and have taken numerous walks alone. Not till now have I figured out that I can call it dating myself.
I have always planned to go to a cafe alone and spend some time with myself. After reading your article, I feel like doing it sooner. It was a nice read. Thanks!
Thanks so much for writing 🙂 I’m so happy you enjoyed the post and that you are taking time to enjoy what you love! Spending quality time alone can be so therapeutic. Keep it up xo
Great ideas! This is something that I have to do. And, I already have my favorites: the bookstore and the movies! Thank you 🙂
Hi Lynelle! Thanks 🙂 I hope you take yourself on a date soon!
I hate to admit this, but even though I have been married for 30 years, I date myself all the time! There are times when I go down a rabbit hole, exploring cool new ideas online that may not be business related, but that just interest me. As far as I am concerned, that’s one of the most fun things to do. I don’t wait for anyone else’s permission and sometimes they have no idea that I was just having a ball with myself. Thanks for sharing how important that me time really is.
You are doing it right!! So many people don’t spend quality time alone and as you know it’s such an important way to have balance and enjoyment 🙂
I started dating myself after a bad break up. I began by going to dinner and the movies by myself. I went monthly. And it wasn’t until the 7th or 8th month that I found myself outright laughing in the middle of a movie and realized I was just enjoying it for me. That I wasn’t looking around for someone to share the moment with. I knew at that moment I was going to be okay.
Now I go to art galleries and museums and community events by myself. And enjoy my own company in a way I never thought I could.
Hi Sandra – Thanks so much for your story. I think so many of us can learn from this. Even if we don’t realize it at first, learning to love spending quality time on our own is so healing. I’m glad to hear that you’ve kept it up too!
The Alchemist is one of my favorite too! I’ll try the museum and lunch, sounds fun.
What good choice you have in books!! Enjoy! I hope you do get to the museum 🙂
I love this! I’m working on this in 2019!
All of your ideas are excellent . I will definitely try. Because I never do anything for me that much. But now I feel I should.
Hi Fatiha! You absolutely should treat yourself and do things that make you feel good. It’s so important 🙂 How about putting your self date in your calendar and sticking to it! I hope you do and you enjoy yourself 🙂
Such a great idea to make it a priority. I am definitely going to be more aware of scheduling time in my planner to have a time blocked out to “date myself”.
That is actually the best thing to do. Dedicate the time and then it’s so much easier to make it happen. Enjoy!
I absolutely love solo dates. These are some amazing ideas. I like to call them “solitude holiday” where I’ll go on walks in nature. Forest bathing is another term people use to spend time in a forest and connect with nature. Thanks for such an inspiring post, Yridley.
Hi Prakhar – I’m so happy you enjoyed the post. It’s something I live by! I love the term solitude holiday as well 🙂 Thanks for the message – hope you get to have a solitude holiday this weekend!!
Number 3 is my favourite. I do it all the time and it helps me grow as a person and learn something cool! Definitely worthy of mention!
Nice! It’s always so rewarding to learn something new. It can get your passion for life way up! Thanks for the note Rosemary!!