>In a world where we are constantly being judged for our every move, there is a stereotype that going on a solo date might make you look like a loser — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Going on a solo date is a sign of confidence, and should be normalized regardless of your relationship status. Even if you are in a relationship, you should take yourself out on a date at least once a week to focus on yourself and romanticize your own life. In fact, to maintain a healthy relationship with your partner, and not become codependent, a solo date is the perfect way to give both you and your partner the space you need.
For example, take Tamanna Kaur, a 24-year-old YouTube influencer whose goal is to help women become their best versions of themselves. She goes out on solo dates regularly — going so far as taking herself out on full-day dates on holidays like Valentines Day. This is despite the fact that she is currently in a relationship (confidently saying the line “I’m cuffed,” on her recent YouTube videos). Even she wants to develop a healthy balance of alone time and time with her partner.
Singles should also go on solo dates, but not always. Moderation is the key — people can get hooked to solitude, but it can quickly turn into isolation if you’re not careful. Rather, singles should go out alone at least once a week.
Both people in relationships and singles should take themselves out on a date to a coffee shop, a restaurant, a dance club, a bar, an art museum, or a movie for example. In New York City, that might be easier than most other places — after all, you’re just another person in the crowd, and no one really cares what everyone else is doing — but that doesn’t mean that solo dates don’t apply to people living in the suburbs of New Jersey. No matter where you live, or where you go, a solo date is something that you do for yourself — someone else’s opinion shouldn’t matter.
Why You Should Take Yourself Out
- It builds confidence.
Confidence might not come the first few times, but after some practice, you will start to feel it. Regardless of how you feel about yourself at first, you will notice that this will incrementally improve your self-image in the long term. The fact that you are going places on your own will make people see you as a confident person — and therefore, before you know it, you will exude more confidence.
- You get to dress up for yourself.
On days when I feel unmotivated and don’t want to leave my room, dressing up for myself is one of the best things I can do. It might seem silly at first, but once you give it a try — if you’re like me — you’ll start to romanticize your life and feel like a V.I.P on your own.
- You get to know yourself better.
When you take yourself out, you start to become more in tune with your own thoughts and feelings. Especially if you refrain from scrolling endlessly on your phone, you become more present and in tune to what’s around you — and will end up enjoying your own company more.
- You learn to make new friends.
Be social. Typically, if you go out with friends, you are less likely to engage with the people you meet — whether they’re your server, attendant, or just people nearby — because you’re so focused on your friends. But, now that you are alone, you can engage with strangers, and might even be open to more spontaneous conversations.
- You could land a date.
If you are single and ready to mingle, someone who is potentially interested in you is probably more likely to come up to you if you are by yourself. If you are with friends, they might think that you are busy and feel more intimidated. No need for a wingman or wingwoman, going out by yourself might score you the jackpot.
- It is a form of self-love.
If you are going out on a solo date by getting all dressed up and doing your favorite activity, you will feel good about yourself, because you are taking time out of your day to make yourself happy and feel important. It’s a gift from you, to you. In other words, you are treating yourself.