The 8 Best Self-Date Ideas to Treat Yourself Right
Looking for fun and creative self-date ideas? In this article, we’ll explore the best solo outings to help you connect with yourself and show yourself some love. Gone are the days of waiting for someone to ask you out – we’re doing it on our own.
What is a solo date?
A solo date is just what it sounds like: dedicated time you take to enjoy yourself without the company of anyone else.
The important part of a self-date (which sets it apart from your average alone time) is that it’s intentional. This means you make a conscious effort to a) spoil yourself and b) show yourself the utmost respect. You are on a date, after all!
One of the best things about a solo date is that you don’t need to do what someone else suggests out of politeness. That means no dining at restaurants you don’t like and no pretending to be interested in something you’re not.
What are the benefits of a self-date?
Science shows that chosen time alone can lead to greater feelings of autonomy, helping us feel free from pressure and aligned with our authentic selves (1). A further study shows that solitude may lead to reduced feelings of anxiety (2).
On a personal level, I’ve found that taking myself out on solo dates has had noticeable benefits for my self-esteem. There’s something hugely empowering about intentionally carving time out to enjoy your own company.
Prior to solo dating, I used to associate alone time with boredom and loneliness, often feeling too ashamed to do certain things on my own.
Now, I view solo dates as self-care.
With that said, let’s look at some of my favourite self-date ideas.
Self-Date Ideas
1. Take Yourself out to Dinner
Going out for dinner is probably one of the most popular activities for traditional dating. As a result, a lot of us would never consider the possibility of doing it on our own.
However, getting yourself dressed up for a meal at your favourite restaurant can be a great way to practise self-care. You can enjoy your meal at your own pace, order when you’re ready, and avoid the awkwardness of wanting a starter when no one else does.
Eating alone can also help you to appreciate the food more, which is a welcome consequence when you’re paying a pretty penny for your meal.
Bonus tip: Take a notebook and write conspicuously in it after every meal. The staff might think you’re a food critic and give you special service.
Just kidding.
2. Try a Cooking Class
For a more hands-on option, why not take yourself to a cooking class and boost your culinary skills? Not only are you learning a valuable skill, but you can enjoy the satisfaction of eating the delicious food you made.
A cooking class is also one of the best self-date ideas if you want the option to socialise. They’re often filled with other people who have come on their own, and you can eat together at the end while bonding over a shared love of food.
3. Go to the Cinema
The cinema is a great solo date idea for beginners because you can keep a low profile. Solo interactions are kept to a minimum, and silence is an expectation, which can help reduce anxiety and help you appreciate the film more.
Going on your own also means no bickering over which film to watch and no sharing popcorn. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the film you wanted to see.
4. Have a DIY Spa Day
If you don’t feel like leaving your house, a DIY spa day is the perfect self-date idea. It’s the ideal opportunity to pamper yourself with a warm bath and a face mask. You can listen to your favourite relaxing music and burn a candle to amp up the ambience.
Doing your spa day at home also keeps costs to a minimum, which can be helpful if your solo dates become a regular occurrence.
5. Indulge in Retail Therapy
Get in loser, you’re going shopping.
OK, so I don’t recommend retail therapy as a frequent self-date idea. However, taking yourself out to the shops every now and then can be a fun and exciting way to spend your alone time.
Also, self-dates are all about spoiling yourself, and what’s more indulgent than treating yourself to something new?
Alternatively, if you don’t want your self-dates to sabotage your bank account, you can window shop!
6. Go on a Hike
Hiking is another budget-friendly self-date idea that gets you outside in the fresh air and exercising.
Practically no preparation is required for a hike, making it great for a last-minute self-date idea. Just put your headphones in, play your favourite podcast or music, and get walking. Not only will you get your steps in, but you’ll also boost your mental health. It’s pretty much the ultimate form of self-care.
7. Explore a Museum or Art Gallery
If you’re into history or art, visiting a museum or art gallery is a great self-date idea. You’ll learn new things and get to peruse at your own pace.
Personally, museums and art galleries often improve my mood by inspiring a sense of gratitude. Looking at all the artefacts makes me feel especially grateful to be able to experience and appreciate the creativity and history of others.
8. Visit a Coffee Shop
If you want a cosy and relaxing self-date idea, you can’t go wrong with visiting a local, independent coffee shop. There’s nothing like enjoying a delicious hot drink, a sweet treat, and reading a book cosied up in a quiet corner at a café. Immaculate vibes.
Coffee shops are also a great place to journal. Something about writing and coffee shops just goes hand-in-hand, and I often find the words spill onto the page when I put the two together. Why not consider getting started on a DIY gratitude journal or a self-love journal for your next solo coffee shop date?
Final Thoughts
Now you have your self-date ideas, it’s time to schedule in the time. I try to get in at least two solo dates a month, and I’ve felt more connected to myself as a result. Embracing solo dates is a powerful way to nurture self-love and create moments of joy on your own terms.
Have you tried any of these self-date ideas? Let me know in the comments below or share this post with a friend who needs a little solo date inspiration!
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