Party of One: Why I’m a fan of solo dates

Whether you’re in a serious relationship or living the single life, you need to consider solo dates. Yes, married people, I’m talking to you too. Relationship experts say you need to date your spouse, but you need to date yourself too. 

Because I travel so much and because my husband and I are both so busy, being able to enjoy my own company is a must.

Benefits of Solo Dates

Taking yourself out on a date is a great way to practice self-care. When you go out alone you don’t have to worry about making anyone happy except yourself! Boost your mood by doing things that you enjoy. On a solo date, you can focus on your own needs and use the time to get clear on what you want from your life. Do some soul searching and some goal setting. Your time of self-reflection might also help you determine what boundaries you need to set so that you will have the freedom to create the life you want to live.

Solo dates can boost your confidence and your sense of independence. The more you take yourself out, the more comfortable you get with being alone. You learn to appreciate and enjoy your own company. You’re relying solely on yourself to have a good time and once you do, you realize how fun and fabulous you really are.

Solo dates allow you to choose your own adventure. When you go out alone you have the freedom to do whatever you want to do. You don’t have to worry about that friend who never likes to try anything new. Solo dates can open the door to a world of new experiences! 

How to Stay Safe on Your Solo Date

Feeling safe during a solo date can be a challenge. With all that’s happening in the world, it’s easy to sense stranger danger around every corner.

When you go out, be aware of your surroundings. Try to avoid being alone in dark alleys and parking lots if possible. If you go to a late concert, for example, try to walk with a crowd after the show.

Be mindful of your belongings. Don’t walk down a street alone thumbing out a text on your phone or waving your clutch in the air. Keep belongings like your cellphone and wallet tucked away.

If you go out to eat, never leave your food or beverages unattended. If you think your drink might have been spiked (because the color changed, or it seems more acidic than before) POUR IT OUT!

Update the location sharing settings on your phone so that you can share your location with a group of trusted friends until you are back home safe and sound. 

My Favorite Solo Date Ideas

Try a DIY spa night. If you need to ease into the idea of a solo date, start with a cozy night in.

Applying an exfoliating or moisturizing face mask and catching up on my favorite shows is one of my favorite forms of self-care. Kick this up a notch with a full-on DIY spa night. Stage the evening with your favorite scented candles and a calming playlist. You can try a hair mask along with your face mask. Next do some under-eye patches. Try a nice body scrub while you’re taking a relaxing bath. Pamper your hands and feet, too. And you can use this time to binge-watch Queen Charlotte or any other show you’ve been waiting to dive into.

Take yourself out for Sunday brunch. If being out alone at night is too intimidating, opt for a solo Sunday brunch instead. If sitting at a table alone feels weird, grab your meal at the bar. Bring a book or a journal to avoid spending the whole time scrolling through your phone. 

Get creative. Take a class that will boost your creativity. You could try cooking, pottery, dance, painting, candle making, or floral arrangement – just to name a few.

Walk it out. Go for a stroll through your local botanical gardens or along your favorite trail. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, go for a hike. Just be sure someone knows where you are before you venture too deep into the woods.

Catch a show. You may want to bring your girls with you to see Beyonce or Taylor Swift, but the opera or symphony could make for a great solo date. You could also go see a play or dance performance. Art shows are great solo dates too. Head to your local art museum or your favorite art gallery to check out the latest exhibition.

Speak your mind. Go to a poetry reading. Better yet, try your own hand at writing poetry and go read your piece at an open mic night. Going alone means you don’t have to worry about impressing your friends with your verse. You’ll be sharing only to impress yourself.

Lend a hand. Use your solo date to make a difference and change the world. Find an organization doing work in support of a cause you care about deeply and volunteer your time.

Solo dates boost self-care and self-love and can make you a more well-rounded person. Give solo dates a try and the next time you’re on a date with someone else or spending time with your friends you’ll be even more confident in what you bring to the table.