Discovering joy in your own company is a superpower that no one can take away from you – it’s a source of long-lasting happiness and serenity. Even though the 75-year Harvard study emphasizes the significance of relationships to ensure happiness and well-being, we must not underestimate the importance of solitary moments. This is especially true for introverts like myself, where these moments become a sanctuary from burnout.
Interestingly, my extroverted friends have shared with me their growing appreciation for solitude over time. It seems that, regardless of our social tendencies, there’s an undeniable magic in spending quality time with oneself. So, here is the guide with 100+ solo date ideas to help you plan your solo date and fully embrace the moments of solitude!
What is a solo date?
A solo date is more than just spending time with yourself; it is a dedicated period where your happiness and contentment takes the center stage. You do not put others’ needs before you; you could express yourself authentically throughout your solo date.
When you spend ample time with yourself, you will understand better about yourself and who you want to become. Enhanced self-acceptance and self-love make you more courageous to explore the world and unleash your potential.
Following my last breakup, I’ve embraced two years of singlehood, and it’s been a journey of self-discovery, filled with the pursuit of new hobbies and passions. Most importantly, I made progress to become who I aspire to be and achieved milestones like getting a new role, completing Google UX cert, launching Wondefull and more.
Why date yourself even if you are in a relationship?
Solo date are not exclusive to the singles, those who are in a relationships could benefit from partaking in it as well.
No matter how lovey-dovey you and your partner are, there will be times when you rather be with yourself, especially for those who have been in the relationship for many years. There are some thoughts and feelings we cannot show to our lovers or anybody else but to ourselves. This is where the solo date becomes valuable, providing a safe space for us to release and process those bottled-up emotions and thoughts.
Furthermore, brief periods of separation inject a fresh dose of excitement into relationships. You get to share with your partner the different experiences you attain when you spend time apart, leading to the healthy growth and dynamic of relationships.
How to plan the perfect solo date for you
Now that you understand the importance of investing time in your own company, how do you plan a solo date?
Here’s a guide on setting up your perfect solo date or solo retreat:
- Allocate dedicated time: Reserve a specific date and time for your solo outing by marking it on your calendar. Commit to it as you are the most important person in your life.
- Set clear intentions: Reflect on the desired outcomes of your solo date. Whether it’s relaxation, inspiration, or personal growth, having clear intentions will guide you in making the most of this dedicated time.
- Select a meaningful activity: Opt for activities and locations that align with your current needs. Whether it’s self-care, enjoyment, or learning new things, choose what resonates with you in the present moment.
- Doll up and invest in preparation: Devote time to getting ready for your solo date, just as you would for a romantic outing. Don’t be afraid to overdressed and attract too much attention – you are the star of the day.
- Disconnect from Distractions: Switch your phone to silent mode or turn it off completely to ensure that you are focused on yourself throughout the solo date.
- Treat yourself like how you treat your lover: Afford yourself the same level of attention and care that you would for someone else that you care deeply.
100 solo date ideas
Self-care solo date ideas
- Craft a love letter for yourself
- Scrub and masque your face and body
- Meditate in the morning
- Send a prayer to God or The Universe
- Journaling about your current thoughts and feelings
- Write a short story or a poem
- List down ten things you are grateful for
- Practice shadow work to reveal and heal parts kept hidden, such as trauma and resentment
- Reset your week or month with this 9-step routine
- Review and assess your well-being (mental, physical, money, relationships, etc.)
- Read a book
- Plan your goal using a 12-week year method
- Learn a new skill or hobby through online tutorials on YouTube or Skillshare
Solo dates at home ideas
- Create a vision board
- Do personal photoshoots. There are a lot of tutorials on TikTok!
- Disney movie night
- Bake sourdough bread
- Try out a new recipe and cook yourself a nice dinner
- Create art or craft projects with materials you have at home
- Have a karaoke night at home with your favorite songs
- Enjoy a warm hotpot and grill with this set and hot soup base
- Do light stretching or yoga at home
- Bake cute cupcake or bento cake
- Start a vlog like the Living Alone Diaries series by Michelle Choi
- Sing songs out loud
- Sip and paint
- Have a drama marathon with healthy snacks
- Participate in fun TikTok or Reel trends, and express yourself
- Meal prep for next week with new recipes
- Take care of your nails, make it healthy and shiny
- Clean up your wardrobe and create a wardrobe planner on iPad
- Organize your room and the house
Outdoor solo date ideas
- Hike and immerse yourself in a chill waterfall
- Swim at a tranquil pool
- Go for a hot spring
- Take a bike ride around your neighborhood or nearby trails
- Watch the sunset or sunrise from a beautiful viewpoint
- Go surfing and get sun-kissed skin
- Get a diving license and meet turtles or sharks under the sea
- Learn how to skate or skateboard at the skatepark
- Try ice skating
- Stargazing
- Take a sunset stroll at the beach
- Go on a historical or architectural walking tour
- Rock climbing
- Have a picnic in a scenic spot
- Visit a local botanical garden
- Attend a local theatre production
- Explore instagrammable cafes
Adventurous solo date ideas
- Try out a new restaurant
- Dress up yourself with a style you have never tried and head out
- Explore a neighborhood you’ve never been to
- Join glamping and have your BBQ
- Take public transportation to a random destination
- Join festivals like Burning Man, Wonderfruit, Tomorrowland, etc.
- Be a tourist in your own city for the day
- Participate in networking or dating events
- Explore local boutiques and shops
- Take a scenic drive to admire your surroundings
- Attend a food festival or culinary event
- Go to a concert of your favorite singer or band
- Go indoor skydiving or bungee jumping
- Take a hot air balloon ride
- Try an escape room
- Visit an amusement park or water park
- Visit a nearby town you’ve never been to
- Join an open mic at your favorite pub or bar
- Do some random acts of kindness for strangers
Cheap solo date ideas
- Go to free classes in the neighborhood
- Taste sweet Moscato/Muscat wine at home. It is very affordable, as low as $8 per bottle.
- Read at the park
- Enjoy a hot chocolate or milk at night to chill
- Volunteer at a farm
- Go to galleries and museums that offer free entry
- Use what is left in the fridge to cook a meal for yourself
- Explore thrift shops and find unique gems
- Babysit if you enjoy kid’s company
- Become a petsitter if you love animals
- Volunteer at a local charity
- Watch a free outdoor concert or music performance
- Go for a drive with the windows down and music up
- Go around the town and capture photos with some new photography techniques
Luxury solo date ideas
- Go for a personal color consultation. I did it, and it was worth it. Now I know what colors suit me the most – my season is light summer.
- Treat yourself to a fancy dinner at a restaurant
- Try horseback riding
- Go on a cruise
- Treat yourself to a high tea at a five-star hotel
- Go wine tasting at a local vineyard
- Take a cooking or baking class
- Visit a chocolate or cheese shop and indulge
- Book a night at a fancy hotel or Airbnb
- Pamper yourself with an aromatherapy massage
- Shop for furniture and home decoration
- Go for yoga or a spiritual retreat
- Join a tennis or surf camp
- Go for jewellery shopping
- Go for hair treatment or hair blowout
- Book a skiing trip
- Learn how to make a silver jewelry piece yourself
- Take a dance or fitness class
- Go to a pottery class
- Visit tourist spots in your city
- Create your own perfume
It’s all about falling in love with yourself and sharing that love with someone who appreciates you, rather than looking for love to compensate for a self love deficit.
―Eartha Kitt
Embarking on the path of self-love is undeniably a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey. All forms of love stem from self-love, which is how we perceive, accept, and offer love. Every moment dedicated to loving and discovering yourself is always time well spent. It not only benefits your personal growth, but also deepens your relationships with the rest.
I have done many of the solo dates above and am excited to do more! Which solo date are you planning to try out, and which ones have become your favorites? Share your experiences below; let’s inspire and support each other in this beautiful voyage of self-love and solo dates!
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