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?