15 Date Ideas for Dating Yourself
Dating yourself is a practice of self-care. When you’re going through a breakup, making time to take yourself on dates is how you continue to show up for YOU. Don’t abandon yourself during this time! Stay connected to the part of you that is hurting and needs a whole lot of love and tender care.
If you haven’t read the Ultimate Guide to Dating Yourself After a Breakup, check it out here.
How to use this list
These date yourself ideas are merely suggestions. At the end of the day, your job is to create dates that light you up and feel great to you because the only person that’s an expert on you is you. The best way to use this list is slowly read each suggestion and highlight the ones that your body says “YES” to. Then, tailor the date to make it perfect for you.
Picnic in the park.
Fill a basket with finger sandwiches and your favorite kind of cheese. Head to the nearest park with a blanket and a great book, and spend a lazy afternoon enjoying your own company.
Drive-in movie night.
Keep a safe distance from others without leaving the comfort of your car. Bring some candy and popcorn, recline your seat, and enjoy the show!
Grocery store adventure.
Find an exotic or unique grocery store near you and go explore what they have to offer. I love going to ethnic grocery stores and markets because it gives me the feeling that I’m in another country. You get to travel without the price tag and the hassle!
Romantic dinner
Get out the fancy dishes, set the table, light some candles, and make yourself the most romantic, delicious meal you’ve ever made. If you’re not much of a chef, consider taking an online cooking class or simply order in your favorite meal. If you feel so compelled, put on a hot outfit and some makeup to really get yourself in the mood.
Room makeover
If your space is feeling stagnant (or reminds you of your ex), it’s time for a little makeover. A simple space transformation can do wonders for your mental health. So put on your favorite music, slip into an old t-shirt, and get to work painting, hammering, and rearranging your way to a fresh home.
Dance with yourself.
Movement is magical medicine. If you’ve been working from home and doing a lot of sitting, energy can get stuck in your body. It’s time to get up and move it through you! Scoot your coffee table out of the way, bring out some fun lights if you’ve got them, and turn your living room into a club! If you prefer some instruction, there are a number of online dance classes you can take. I love Dance Church for the music, and freedom of expression it offers.
Nature walk
Get connected to nature by lacing up your hiking shoes and heading out into the great outdoors. Pack some snacks, and take in the fresh air. You may be surprised by the nourishment your own backyard has to offer!
Photojournalism adventure
Grab a camera (even if it’s your phone camera), and go capture the world around you through your lens. There are stories all around us waiting to be told. What do you want to document? People? Landscapes? Nature? Have an adventure with your camera and then make a photo book or slideshow out of your snapshots.
Get crafty
Repurpose some old t-shirts by sewing them into a quilt, do a little bit of DIY tie-dye, or find some random knick knacks that you can turn into an art project. I absolutely love getting lost in a craft project from time to time.
Spa day
Pamper yourself with a bubble bath, pedicure, and maybe even a haircut! It’s not as hard as it sounds. I recently learned how to cut my own hair and make my own sugar wax (thanks, YouTube!) and it was actually a very empowering experience. Bring out all of the pampering products you’ve collected over the years, wrap yourself up in a cozy bathrobe, and create the ultimate treat yourself experience.
Mix up your wheels
Finding new ways to get around can give you all sorts of paradigm shifts. If you have access to a bicycle, take a bike ride around your town. Borrow a skateboard from a friend and play around with it. Or rent a motorized scooter and head out to explore your neighborhood.
Virtual concert
Enjoy a night of music from your very own living room. Organizations like Sofar Sounds are hosting awesome virtual music events. Or attend a virtual storytelling event hosted by The Moth. Turn your space in a cozy venue, pop open a bottle of your favorite drink, and enjoy the performance.
Road trip
Hit the open road, for just a day or for a whole weekend. If you’re feeling really adventurous, rent a cute campervan from a company like Escape Campervans, and spend some time immersing yourself in nature.
Start a garden
In the aftermath of a breakup, it can feel great to have something to take care of. Take a visit to your local garden center and find a plant that you want to pour some love and attention onto.
Self-pleasure party
This is a time of self-discovery, and your body is no different! Learn what makes you feel good, what kind of touch you enjoy, what pleasure feels like in your body. Put on some sexy music, slip into your hottest lingerie, go slow and explore all parts of your body. Treat yourself to mind-blowingly pleasurable evening!
