Taking Yourself on a Date

I am sure by now many of you have heard Miley Cyrus’ song “Flowers”- https://youtu.be/G7KNmW9a75Y. It is so accurate for so many people and if you are single, recently divorced, widowed, etc. it doesn’t mean that you cannot have fun by yourself. You can go out on a date just for you, you can get yourself your favorite food, and you can “buy yourself flowers”.

I was inspired the other day at the urging of one of my very good friends to “do something special for me”. I often spend so much time doing what others want, trying to make others happy, and being there for others when they need it. However, I often neglect that time that I should be spending on myself to recharge my batteries and make sure that I am also happy and taken care of. It is so important to remember that we cannot take care of others if we are not also taking care of ourselves. So I decided that I was going to “take myself on a date” and do anything I randomly thought of.

Ways to Take Yourself on a Date

1. Go to the park. If the weather is nice, head to your nearest park, hiking trail, or outdoor recreational area. Getting out in the sun and surrounded by fresh air is going to help improve your mental health in it of itself. There are so many things you can do at the park on your own. It does not have to be expensive to be a fun time or reset your brain.
   • Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride.
   • Take a special meal to eat while you are there
   • Even stop and get an 89 cent slushy from a gas station as a special treat
2. Go to a restaurant for a special meal. This is one of the ways that I often struggle with because I have a fair amount of social anxiety surrounding the concept of sitting in a restaurant by myself. However, I have been trying to practice telling myself that just because I am by myself does not mean that I do not deserve to get to enjoy a special meal out. This does not have to be something fancy either, it just needs to be something that you enjoy.
3. Spring for some dessert. Although, this is not something I recommend doing all of the time, on occasion treat yourself to a little something that brings you joy. In moderation, sweets are not a bad thing!
   • Stop in at your favorite local ice cream parlor
   • Buy a fancy cookie
   • Grab your favorite snack from the grocery store
   • Bake some pastries at home
4. Have a night in at home. Who says that date night has to mean going out somewhere? If you are not able to get out due to illness, anxiety, transportation reasons, etc. you can still have a great time at home.
   • Cook a special meal for yourself or get your favorite food delivered to your door. Bonus points if you eat by candlelight.
   • Rent or stream a movie to watch
   • Cuddle up with a good book and your favorite beverage
   • Have a craft night with random items that you have around your home

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy a date with just yourself? Looking for more creative date ideas? Add it to the comments.

Remember that you are worthy and deserving of taking some time for yourself. It does not have to be expensive, but it must be something that brings you a little bit of joy!