How to: Date Yourself
Valentine’s Day last month may have had you feeling extra conscious about your relationship status, but I’m gonna be honest with you: dating is not that big of a deal. If anything, it’s something that has been blown out of proportion by amatonormativity and heteronormativity, along with the idea that you need to have some romantic partner(s) in order to be happy. Pardon my language, but that is complete bullshit. You are not a fraction of a person, and you do not need someone else to complete you. You are a whole person on your own.
I have a challenge for you. This year, I want you to try and date yourself.
That’s right, you hear what I said? (typed?) I want you to take the energy you are expected to put into a romantic relationship and give it to yourself.
Not sure where to start? Here are some ways you can sweep yourself off of your own feet:
Make room for “me time” in your schedule
Between classes, COVID, work, and the occasional therapeutic cry, you’ve got a busy schedule. That’s all the more reason to squeeze in a quick 15 minutes to dedicate to yourself.
Treat yourself kindly
Maybe this one is a little obvious, but I’m serious–you should treat yourself with more care. Would you treat someone else the way you’ve been treating yourself? You deserve better than that, hun.
If you’re still struggling with this, repeat after me:
I don't need to be so hard on myself.
I make mistakes, and that’s okay!
I’m not perfect and I don't have to be.
Love (and embrace!!!) your imperfections
There is no such thing as the perfect person. Perfection is an ideal–and a subjective one at that.
Our unique features make us the best version of ourselves.
Don’t feel guilty for treating yourself to something special
Now, I'm not saying to spend hundreds of dollars online shopping instead of paying your rent. Doing something special for yourself every once in a while can be beneficial. Here is a list of some things you can treat yourself to:
Ice cream
Takeout
A movie night
Bubble bath
Face masks
Literally! Take yourself on a date
Have an actual date with yourself. Dress up or down, go out or stay in, make something or order, it’s all up to you!
Check out below some solo date ideas!
Museum
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Take yourself to a museum. Whether it be an art museum, science museum, or history museum, you’re sure to have a good time. If you’re looking for a place on campus, try out the Weisman Art Museum. Make sure to snap an Instagram picture for good measure!
Bookstore
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Tired of the same day in and day out? Immerse yourself in a new storyline. Head to your nearest bookstore and browse the aisles for your next adventure, love story, or self-help book.
Table For One
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Head to your favorite local restaurant (preferably a small business) and ask for a table for one. Order something new and out of your comfort zone, promise you won't regret it!
Shopping
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Treat yourself! Go on a shopping spree and enjoy your own company. There are so many amazing local shops with a wide variety of styles, but this can also be as simple of a gesture as buying yourself flowers the next time you're at Trader Joe’s.
Nature
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Take a hike, go for a walk, or pack a picnic. Anything to get some fresh air will make you feel like a new person. Spring is right around the corner and those sad winter days will be far behind us soon enough!