- Whether you’re single or in a relationship, dating yourself is the ultimate form of self-love and a source of happiness
- Solo date means devoting time and energy to nurturing a relationship with your inner self
- We have curated a list of interesting solo date ideas for you, from simple to fancy to active, and relaxing perfect date ideas
Spending quality time alone and getting to know yourself is the first step in loving and accepting who you are. This is an essential source of value and self-esteem that is healthy whether you’re single, dating or married.
When our time and focus are pulled in so many directions each day, it’s easy to forget about caring for and nurturing ourselves. Self-care is amazing and essential, and that’s where dating yourself comes in, a concept that encourages you to treat yourself with the same love and attention you would dedicate to a romantic partner.
Going on solo dates helps you reconnect with yourself, discover new interests, and boost your self-love. After all, there is no relationship in your life more important than the one you have with yourself.
Now, let’s dive into the exciting part: 15 fun solo date ideas that will boost your self-love and recharge your personal ‘batteries’.
15 solo date ideas you can take yourself to relax and have fun
1. See a movie alone: If a new movie excites you, get a ticket and head to the cinema. You can also stay at home and watch your favourite movie, take it up a notch by adding your favourite snacks, and sit down to enjoy the flick.
2. Cook a fancy meal for yourself: Enjoy a home-cooked meal to spoil yourself. Try that new recipe you’ve been dying to try and spend the evening in the kitchen perfecting your cooking skills. After cooking, light scented candles, put on some music, and enjoy it all. You can try baking cookies, cakes, or pastries if you have a sweet tooth.
3. Treat yourself to dinner at a fancy restaurant: Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an extravagant meal. Take a typical date, make a reservation at your favourite restaurant and turn it into a lovely solo date idea. You can take a book with you or sit back and watch people for a while.
4. Try an at-home spa night: Treating yourself to a home spa day is the ultimate idea to self-love and revitalise. Run some bubble baths, light candles, apply a face mask, put on some calming music, and put your feet up to relax.
You can even make some tea, sandwiches or cookies to enjoy a refreshing bite after a long, steamy shower.
5. Plan a staycation: Book a one-night stay in a hotel room in your city or one nearby and act like a tourist in your town. Ensure you enjoy all the amenities, like the pool, bar, and room service, to make your stay extra luxurious. Explore all the local spots you've never seen with a fun staycation and appreciate the town where you live.
6. Get a manicure: Getting a manicure or pedicure is a classic act of self-care and a great solo date idea. A fresh set makes you feel more confident; you can go for a basic nail design or get creative with different polish colours to help your nails look their best. Schedule a nail appointment for your solo date and pamper yourself for a few hours.
7. Take a craft class: Take tons of artsy courses near you, like jewellery making, knitting, sewing, pottery, and drawing lessons, for a relaxing and rewarding solo date. Getting into creative hobbies leaves you with new skills that you can put to use and the built-in ability to create fabulous gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
8. Paint and sip date: You can consider a paint and sip date for your next solo date. There’s something about creating art that helps you zone out in a good way. Buy your favourite wine, get your art supply, and have fun while you sip your favourite wine and paint. You'll get a fun night in and a new painting for your home.
9. Take yourself on a picnic: Treat yourself to a small, simple meal in a green space or your favourite park. Plan your picnic by packing some delicious sandwiches, fruits, cookies, and snacks you enjoy. Spread out a big blanket under the shade and eat while you people-watch or read your favourite book.
10. Visit a bookstore: If fashion isn't your thing, the bookstore always has something new to catch your eye. You can splurge on a few hardcovers from an independent bookstore and let your mind enter a new universe through a new book.
11. Get dressed and take photos: Act like a celebrity and be the star of your shoot. Style your hair, put on your most stylish outfits, and have a photo shoot. You can be extra daring and book a professional photographer to take pictures of you. If you’re camera shy or selfies aren’t your thing, head out into nature and capture beautiful views or take pics of your pet.
12. Visit a museum/art gallery: Museums/art galleries are perfect places for a quiet, informative self-date. The solo stroll through an art museum makes you feel like the main character of your story. Spend time walking through the exhibits and reading about them so you fully absorb all of the information you’ve learned.
13. Volunteer for your favourite cause: While solo date ideas are all about self-love, you can still show love to someone else by giving your time and energy to others. Volunteering helps you feel more fulfilled. If there’s a cause you’re passionate about, find a time to get involved and put your whole heart into the cause. You’ll go home tired but with a unique sense of fulfilment that can’t be found any other way.
14. Explore your neighbourhood: Walking is a great way to stay active. Go for a long walk in your neighbourhood, find local spots nearby and explore a few new streets to check out what they offer. If you're inspired, take photographs like a tourist, too.
15. Take yourself dancing: Going to dance classes requires some initial bravery to get out, but once you do, you’ll have a ball. This solo date idea will get you in a good sweat and be so much fun that you’ll realise you don’t need someone to have a fun date. You can also try online dance classes to bust a move in your living room.
Dating yourself is a powerful practice that can transform your relationship with yourself. Any activity that re-energizes you and makes you feel great is self-care. It's all about finding and working those things into your daily routine.
These solo date ideas are fun and include options for self-care, personal growth and the chance to have a good time without needing anyone else to do so! So, go ahead and plan your next solo date.
10 ways to know if your partner truly loves you or is just pretending
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that there are at least 10 ways to know if your partner has genuine love for you. Knowing these signs will help you stay away from abusive and time-wasting relationships.
Some of these ways include: paying attention to you, supporting your goals and doing thoughtful acts.