In my twenties, I was a social butterfly. I surrounded myself with friends and rarely went out without them. Then in my thirties, I reverted back to the caterpillar stage.I spent time alone in my cocoon a.k.a. my couch. I sometimes passed on offers to hang out with friends, and instead hung out at home. I didn’t feel like I was missing out if I didn’t go out. If I missed a party, I didn’t think I missed my chance at meeting “the one”. At the time, I lived on a beach and spent hours on my balcony. Being close to nature brought me closer to God. The waves crashed against the shore and created grooves in the sand and a deep sense of peace in my heart. I enjoyed spending time writing, reading, and getting to know a very important person–myself! I was changing, growing and maturing.
Recently, my dating life hit a dry spell–perhaps a bit by choice. I focused a lot of my energy on my family, my blog and my comfy couch. But I wasn’t lonely. Perhaps the time on an island made me more appreciative of “me time”. I recognize the importance of having happiness and wholeness on your own. Here are seven ways I date myself and make reservations for one.
- Spend time with God. Go to church, read the Bible, pray or meditate.
- Get a jump-start on the workweek at a coffee shop. Grab a cup of joe from a barista who doesn’t work at a chain. People watch, read a magazine or write in your journal. Once at the office, organize your desk, clear out your inbox and check off your to-do list.
- Go shopping. Buy something sexy for yourself, splurge on the latest trend or just try on something new.
- Take a walk. Explore a local park or pound the pavement in your neighborhood. Stop at a florist and buy a dozen of roses or your favorite flowers.
- Go out to dinner at restaurant that received rave reviews.
- Have a drink. Check out happy hour or a local band. If you would rather stay in, rent a pay-per-view movie and pop popcorn.
- Take a class! Paint a picture, cook a gourmet meal or learn to ballroom dance.
Hey BMWK– Do you date yourself? Do you go out to dinner, movies or events alone?
Juaquisha Truesdale says
Thank you so much for this article I needed this one because my dating life has hit a dry spell also I am learning about God Me and learning how to balance out working 50-55 hours a week and enjoying life. I work nights, weekends and holidays so it is hard some times to fellowship with others because of the shift I work I love my job because it is God and I
Jackie Crawford says
This is a wonderful article and like others, I do appreciate it. I love that you give ways to date yourself! Being single isn’t always easy, and sometimes it can get lonely, especially if the majority of people who surround you are in committed relationships. I love your #6; I love going to happy hours around, if anything just to people watch or meet new people. I’ve actually met a few people and gone on a couple of dates just from people I’ve met at happy hour. There is a book I just read called “The Club Rules” and it has some good tips on how to go out and really enjoy yourself. The website is https://theclubrules.com/ if you want to check it out. I’d recommend it to any single; man, woman, single, divorced… it’s a great read. Thanks again for this article!
stephanieb says
Great article, I need to work on being content being by myself and just getting out there to enjoy my life.