Dates can be fun! Or so they are supposed to be. Like everyone else I have had my fair share of dates that made me want to dig a hole and die. I have also had dates where I enjoyed myself so much and wished the date wouldn’t end. Although preparation for solo dates can be nerve-wracking the effort is worth it. I am here to help you get over the nerves and onto that solo date
So, what if you have no one to go on a date with but love dates? Traditionally, a date has been defined as going out with one or more people. But who says society must dictate how you should live your life? After all, it’s your life and each to his own.
Imagine not going to your favorite restaurant for a three-course meal or not trying out new experiences because no one is asking you out. That would be a shame. Surely all the unfulfilled dreams that you couldn’t achieve will cause you to turn in your grave and I believe a life well lived is one with no regrets.
Hence the idea of solo dates. Sounds intimidating? I thought so too when I initially toyed with the idea in my head.
But it’s not half as bad as your brain makes it out to be. Just as trying out new things is filled with unknowns the regret of not doing a thing because of fear was way more intimidating for me to bear. So, I decided to give solo dates a try and I have never looked back.
A solo Date is a term where you go out on your own and do the things that you enjoy alone. Solo dates can be fun and for me, each solo date is a different experience. I will share a few interesting things I did and how each date went. However, the bottom line is, no matter the experience, I challenge you to at least go on your first solo date.
And no, solo dates are not only for single people. Even if you are in a relationship you can decide to enjoy a Saturday afternoon on your own, enjoying what most people call “me time”. It’s the most rewarding time ever to be with your thoughts and to remove yourself from the rush and chaos of life.
Don’t wait until you have free time, use the little time you have to explore these best solo date ideas. And yes, they are fun solo date ideas too.
Let’s start with some top tips for solo dates.
Top tips for Solo Dates – Preparing for your Solo Date
1. Choose an activity or perfect place
Get your bucket list out. Solo dates are the perfect place to start looking for things to do on your solo date. Do not shy away from going on that picnic setup you have always wanted. Restaurants also make it difficult to do this as they usually have package deals for couples. But do not be fazed. Just explain to them that you are alone, and you will get a discount.
Save some money while you enjoy champagne, strawberries, and chocolate in a nice setup.
Yes, it’s all about you. Solo dates are about getting to know yourself better and spoiling yourself with gifts.
It’s about getting out of your comfort zone
2. Dress up and look like a million dollars
Just like with any date, I prepared my outfit for the day and all my activities. Since it’s a solo date it’s up to you to be on time and decide to be happy, have a great time and enjoy the date. Remember when you look great, you feel great too.
Solo dates are the perfect time to get that little black dress out and your best perfume or cologne. It’s time to look good for you and to impress you. If you are going out to do outdoor activities like hiking or horse riding, get the proper shoes and shorts.
3. Remember to have fun
We usually associate fun with having someone else or being within a crowd. But is it really possible that you can have fun alone? Yes! And the secret to happiness is realizing that you can be happy alone and no one can change that.
Solo dates are an opportunity to spend quality time with yourself and enjoy your own company.
4. Finance the date yourself
Although being taken out can mean someone else has to foot the bill, this time it’s all about you. Some may see it as a disadvantage, but I think it’s a positive thing. You get to decide how much you want to spend and to do activities within your budget.
It’s also a great opportunity to negotiate a discount on packages that were originally designed for couples or groups.
5. Don’t you dare cancel or postpone it
When going out with friends it’s easy to send that “sorry I cannot make it” text while sitting on your couch because you don’t want to go out anymore and you just don’t feel like people anymore. Don’t fall into that trap when you set up a solo date.
Don’t cancel your special date or postpone it unless a tornado or snowstorm is wrecking through town.
It will be intimidating and scary at first, have courage. Once you get the hang of it, it will be the best thing in your life since sliced bread.
Now we have the best tips for a solo date but what can you expect on a solo date? Don’t worry I’ve got you.
What to expect on your first of many solo dates?
The awkward stares
The concept of solo dates is still foreign to many, and it will be for a while. But that should not stop you. The worst is the stares that people will give you and the sadness that they feel for you. Many will pity you and want to share the date with you because they are embarrassed on your behalf.
On my birthday I went on a solo trip that ended with a very beautiful candlelit dinner. A family of 5 people were having dinner at a table near me and upon knowing it was my birthday they felt sorry for me. One of the ladies came over to invite me to join their table, so I don’t get to spend my birthday alone. Although her thoughts and intentions were pure, I would rather enjoy my date alone than spend it with strangers and try to make awkward small talk all night.
Lest I say it has been one of the best birthdays I have ever had.
People will always have an opinion about you in whatever you do, so let them have an opinion while you have fun!
Capture every moment of the solo date
Going out with friends is great because they get to take pictures of you. So, what if you are alone? Don’t hesitate. Ask waiters if you are at a restaurant. On my solo date where I got to do rock climbing the instructor volunteered to take pictures and even videos of me rock-climbing. I was shocked but it was surprising how open people were to taking pictures and showing me around.
Great opportunity to meet people
There is nothing that says I am single than a solo date. It’s a great opportunity to meet awesome new people and make new connections and new friends. Even if you are in a relationship, you could meet people who share a similar interest to yours and you could join their group.
Be Safe on your solo date
Countries like South Africa have such a high crime rate and it’s unsafe for women like me to go out of the house alone, let alone go on a solo date. This shouldn’t stop you. Whenever you go on a solo date, always let your friends or family know about your itinerary for the day and always check up on you at the end of the day.
Have check-up calls with friends halfway throughout the day to ensure your safety.
Now that we have the top tips for a solo date and we know what to expect, we move on to ideas you can try on your solo date. Single ladies stop the pity party and enjoy a good solo date.
This list only includes a few, but I’m sure you can add many more to this list.
Still not sure what to do on your solo date, here are 10 ideas to try
1) Spa day
This is the best solo date ever, get pampered. Get a full body massage, manicure and pedicure. After a massage, you feel good, and you will look good. Switch off your mind and thank your body by giving it a treat.
I know these treatments can be expensive but that doesn’t mean you cannot explore these. Buy a facial cream and cucumber and do your own face mask mix. You can add yoga and
meditation to your self-treatment sessions. Paint your own nails any color you want. But do save up for at least a full body massage.
2) Local Travel around your area
There are treasures to be found and explored in your neighborhood. Explore those hidden gems around your town. These could be museums, Parks, Festivals, Art galleries or even
the local farmer’s market. For those close to the beach, drive to the beach and spend a whole day there. It’s the best alone time out to focus on yourself.
3) Three-course meal at a new restaurant
What says solo date than sitting down at your favorite restaurant looking like a million bucks and having someone serve you. Eating food, you didn’t cook, and the best part is after eating you don’t even have to do the dishes, they get taken away from you!! You are definitely going to feel special.
If you are a breakfast person, go to your favorite coffee shop and enjoy the environment. If you are a dinner person dress up a go for a nice dinner. Avoid staring at your phone and scrolling through social media, enjoy the date.
Don’t worry about the stares, take a good book with you or watch other people. The best place to sit on solo dates in a restaurant is where there is a great view. You might catch the sunset or sunrise depending on your location and time of day.
4) Romantic bubble bath
Grab your favorite bottle of wine, a glass of wine (you can even take a cup of your favorite tea or hot chocolate), run a nice bath (don’t hesitate, get all those bath salts out and sprinkle some flowers in the bath) and enjoy a solo date night.
What is a nice bubble bath session without candles? Go ahead and light candles. Throw in some essential oils. Set up a cosy romantic scene for yourself. Turn on the music and have a good time and a great date.
5) Picnic
Yes, these can be very awkward as you might be sitting a few feet from a couple that is head over heels in love with each other. But don’t be distracted or wish someone was there with you. Get a nice book or if you are into photography take some nice pictures or lie down for a nap.
Don’t forget to grab that picnic basket.
If you go to a park with swings explore your inner child and go play on a swing. It will be fun, trust me.
6) Movie Night in the cinema
Who can ever say no to popcorn and a nice slush? Go watch your favourite movie alone at the movie theater. Solo dates are amazing because you don’t have to watch a romantic movie because your friends or partner loves it, go ahead and enjoy the horror movie.
When I go on these dates I do try to keep away from friends or couples. All you want is to enjoy a good movie without having to shush the couple near you.
7) Go watch your favorite band/artist live in concert
With the pandemic almost over most gatherings are allowed. Concerts are coming back, and artists are performing to a live audience again. Go on a solo date to watch your favorite band in concert.
Nothing says solo date like dancing to live music.
If you are not a good dancer, you can sit and listen to some smooth jazz. You could also watch a stand-up comedy at a place near you or a live poetry session at a nearby jazz club.
8) Outdoor activities
For those who love the outdoors, you can go on a game drive, bike ride, hiking, camping or fishing trip. You could also go on a solo date to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or better yet go sky diving. It’s all about you, so go do the fun things that make you happy and give you peace of mind.
If you love helping others, you can use this time to volunteer at a non-profit organization or an animal shelter. Helping others in a time of need makes you feel good and is a great solo date idea. You could go to an art museum and afterwards have ice cream.
9) Spoil yourself
Go on a shopping spree. Shopping is a fun solo date idea. You don’t have to buy anything for anyone else except you. Go all out for yourself. Buy a nice bouquet of flowers, chocolate, and jewelry.
Buy that dress you have been saving for or go for a nice photoshoot either in a studio or at an outdoor location.
You could also decide to have a total makeover by cutting your hair and buying a new outfit. Do what makes you feel good, this is a great way to show yourself some self care.
10) Road trip
This is one of my favorite solo date ideas. Although it is intimidating this is the best self-care and self-love opportunity. Wondering where to go on your day trip, pick a place you have always wanted to go that has a nice open road. Stop and take pictures along the road at important landmarks in beautiful areas.
Watch the sunset or sunrise while on these road trips. It will be amazing. Road trips are the best ways to see new places and beautiful places.
As a bonus tip use your solo date to learn a new skill like joining a cooking class. If you are into art, visit an art supply store and get creative. If you love cooking, join a cooking class and cook your favorite food and try a new recipe. Use the solo date to enjoy a fun hobby.
The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Pick one great idea and try it. Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to be spoiled, spoil yourself.
Solo dates are about having the best time and doing the best things that make you happy. It’s about being your own best friend and connecting with your inner self. When was the last time you went out for some fresh air? Never right.
Solo dates are about loving you and discovering who you really are. Practice spending time with yourself with these self-date ideas. The first time I went on a solo date was awkward but fun.
Challenge yourself to not use your phone during solo dates. This helps you focus on yourself. Either way, it is rude to be on your phone during a date with your friend so why would you do that to yourself.
Go on that solo date, and spoil yourself.
You are worth it!!!
Pingback: 21 Best Ways to Create your own Happiness: The Ultimate Guide - Do it with Excellence