Get to know yourself better this year and learn how to date yourself with these 12 self date ideas.
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Spending the last two years in our lonely lockdown cocoons has done a number on our collective mental health.
People reported feeling sadder and more anxious, and now that we’re finally seeing a return to normal, there are reports of post-pandemic social anxiety.
So, while going somewhere that isn’t your house probably sounds heavenly, you might feel a little scared to get together with a group of friends again.
If you can relate to that, rest assured it’s perfectly normal.
One way to increase your confidence while enjoying your best post-pandemic life is to date yourself.
What does it mean to date yourself?
Dating yourself is a way for you to reconnect with yourself in a purposeful way!
The solo date night trend helps improve mindfulness and confidence and reduce anxiety and depression.
Taking yourself on a date is an excellent way to remind yourself how valuable you are while having fun doing the things you’ve missed doing!
I’ve recently started dating myself again after being married for two years, and my confidence has skyrocketed.
If you’re unsure about where to start, we’re here to help you figure out how to date yourself.
Down below, we’ve listed our top 12 self date ideas that’ll get you excited for solo date night.
These solo date ideas are designed for all budgets, ages, and interests.
Read on to find your favorite self date idea for the perfect solo date!
How to Date Yourself: 12 Self Date Ideas for the Perfect Solo Date
1. Matinee Holiday
This slept on solo date idea topped my list, because earlier showings equal less people and lower ticket prices (I’m always looking for those budget wins)!
Plus, the best part of dating yourself is not having to compromise with everyone else about what to watch.
You finally get to go watch your cheesy, guilty pleasure flicks on the big screen.
That’s how you date yourself!
2. Coffee and Journaling
Coffee dates are marvelous self date ideas for those who aren’t sure how to date yourself.
Going to a coffee shop by yourself already feels normal, so you don’t have to be anxious about others’ perceptions of you.
Solo coffee dates are popular because it smells fantastic, and it’s a lowkey environment – which allows you to get to know yourself so much better!
Try out a new coffee place (or a new flavor from your favorite coffee shop), and spend some time with your journal.
If you have trouble writing in journals, consider trying this best-selling guided journal to get a better understanding of yourself.
3. Find Your Favorite New Trail
One unexpected benefit of dating myself was learning how many gorgeous nature trails were in my city!
Nature hikes are excellent self-date ideas that help you decompress and see new places while getting in some exercise.
4. Homemade Dinner and a Movie
Turn this tried-and-true classic into your new favorite solo date night.
Nothing beats the taste of a homecooked meal; I mean, it’s cheap, it’s satisfying, and you know you’re going to love it!
For new cooks, I recommend trying out this Amazon Editor’s Pick, Cooking for One: Scaled Recipes, No-Waste Solutions, and Time-Saving Tips.
Then, turn on your favorite movie and enjoy your solo date!
5. Picnic in the Park
With springtime upon us, picnics are ideal self date ideas, because it allows us to soak up the sun!
Taking yourself on a date that breaks the monotony of eating in the same (often indoor) places let’s us get extra vitamin D, catch a soft tan, and really take a moment for ourselves.
6. Margaritas and Margherita
Margaritas and margherita pizza is not just a fun play on words, but it’s also a fun solo date night idea for would-be chefs and bartenders!
This Amazon’s Choice bartending set helps all our aspiring at-home bartenders craft professional-quality drinks (margaritas, martinis, and any other drink your heart desires) on the cheap.
For our amateur chefs, this best-selling pizza kit from Urban Slicer Pizza Worx will guide you through making a delicious pizza!
Related: 15 Girls Night In Ideas You’ll Love for the Perfect Ladies Night
7. Buy a New Outfit
The clothes we wear impact how we feel, meaning that when our closets start feeling stale, so do we!
Shopping for a new outfit is a fun way to give yourself a much-needed confidence boost – making it a great solo date idea.
If you’re on a budget, challenge yourself to create a completely thrifted outfit from a local thrift shop!
8. A Night of Music
Taking yourself on solo dates that allow you to reconnect with what you love improves your overall mental health and feelings of happiness.
With artists returning to tour life, there’s no better time to catch your favorite artist or find a new local band at a smaller venue.
9. Down Dog on the Beach
Yoga is a combination of meditation and exercise, ideal for breaking mental funks.
Grab an outdoor yoga mat (like this one, which is thick and eco-friendly), and head out to the beach.
If you time it right, you can finish your yoga set just in time to watch the sunset over the ocean… the best kind of solo date night, IMO!
10. Day Trip!
Going on a day trip is a double self date idea because you can listen to interesting podcasts or sing an entire album by yourself, and then you get to do whatever you planned for your day trip!
Day trips are a fun solo date idea to change your setting, and there’s tons you can do: go to a flower field, drive to the beach, see a tourist attraction you’ve never seen, etc.
11. Day at the Museum
Museums are the perfect solo date nights for my cultured ladies out there – it was actually the first date I went on when I started dating myself!
Exhibits are a great way to learn something new, support the local art scene, and immerse yourself in beautiful fine art from around the world.
12. Buy Yourself Flowers
There’s a reason people love to remind you to stop and smell the flowers – because flowers make you smile!
Dating yourself involves reminding yourself that you’re valued and cared for, so set up a flower delivery to your work during a particularly stressful week.
The awesome thing about flowers is they double as sweet décor pieces for your desk or table and last beyond a single solo date night.
Which of these self date ideas are you most excited to try? Do you feel confident in how to date yourself, or are you still getting used to the idea of a self date?
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