If you’re single, these dates will be especially fun. You have no one but yourself to worry about, and that freedom can be an absolute luxury.
And if you’re in a relationship, here’s some good news: these dates will still be super fun!
Most of these dates will require some effort (or maybe a lot of effort), so make sure you go in with a positive attitude and willingness to pamper yourself and get to know yourself.
DIY/craft day
Try something new! There are unlimited things you can make and do. For example, I love making friendship bracelets with my sister, embroidery is fun (and makes great gifts), making handmade cards, sewing, etc.
Learn something new
Learning something new helps you to learn more about yourself in the process. You may figure out you like something you never would’ve thought you’d like before, or you might see that you’re better at something than you thought you were. This date may require you to go outside of your comfort zone, and that’s where the real magic happens.
Check around your area to find a small class you can take — it could be anything from cooking to self-defense.
Try out a new recipe. Plus you can Instagram whatever you cook or bake #FoodPorn
Learn a skill from a YouTube tutorial. Personally, I like to watch drawing or Adobe Illustrator tutorials, but your topic of choice could be anything you want.
Movie marathon
I watch an embarrassing amount of television, but I don’t usually spend as much time watching movies unless I have someone to join me. But if you have an occasion like this, it’s a lot more fun. It’s good to have some self-indulgence every once in awhile, so set aside a day or a chunk of hours when you can relax, watch a bunch of awesome movies, and stuff your face with your favorite snacks.
A few ideas for movie marathon themes:
Chocolate Decadence: Chocolat, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (you can even make the marathon a Johnny Depp double feature with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Like Water for Chocolate. Make sure to stock up on all your favorite kinds of chocolate to make this marathon even more delicious (than it already is with Johnny Depp).
Flashback Friday: Childhood/90’s favorites. This may vary depending on what you liked to watch as a kid, but some possibilities include Disney animated films, Pokemon movies, musical children’s movies (Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, etc.).
Guilty Pleasures: Basically all the movies you secretly want to see but are too embarrassed to actually ask anyone to to watch them with you (and have them still respect you afterward).
Musicals: Don’t be afraid to sing along, either! The Sound of Music, Grease, Hairspray (or the remake too), Moulin Rouge!, Singin’ in the Rain, Pitch Perfect (does this count?), and so on (I’ve omitted Les Mis because it’s probably too depressing to watch while you’re having this alone-time date).
Harry Potter: This one’s pretty obvious (especially if you know me) and will take forever to watch all of them, so you could just watch your favorites if that’s more convenient.
Judd Apatow: Some of my personal favorites. The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Funny People, This Is 40.
If you’re a scaredy-cat (like I am), you might want to avoid horror or thrillers — you don’t want to end up with paranoia or nightmares while you’re alone. Unless you’re down, in which case you can hit me up for a list of my favorite horror movies, as I’ve become a self-proclaimed connoisseur of the genre over the past few years).
Dinner date
Dress up for yourself. Or let loose and wear your sweats, since you probably wouldn’t have the freedom to be that comfortable on a regular date.
Cook yourself a meal with different courses — foods you’ve wanted to try out but never got around to it, or your favorites. If you’re up for it and want to go all-out for yourself, you can make a meal with appetizers, entree(s), and dessert (apps, tray trays, and ‘zerts).
Pampering
Treat yourself to a mani/pedi or eyebrow wax, massage, the works (if you’re up to it or have deep pockets).
Do an at-home pampering day, with a bubble bath (add soothing music, incense, candles, bath salts, or flower petals for ambience). Treat yourself for no cost with a DIY mani/pedi or facial.
You can even give your place a spa-vibe with a pitcher of cucumber water, use a bathrobe/slippers, or put out a platter of fruit or light cookies for yourself. Plus you could make a mimosa or cocktail/blended fruity drink for extra relaxation 😉
Exploring
If you don’t want to spend much, just try taking the bus out downtown and wander wherever your fancy takes you.
Check out a store you’ve never been in or go out to a nearby park (butterfly preserves are beautiful) and enjoy nature. You might discover something wonderful in a place you used to think was ordinary.
Be careful choosing where to explore, though. It wouldn’t be a good idea to go hiking or rock climbing alone without letting anyone know about it (unless you want a 127 Hours situation on your hands).
Beach day
If you’re near a beach or can take public transportation to get to one, do it. If not, this date also applies to any other waterfronts near you, like lakes or rivers.
If the weather permits (this is a great time for this date because it’s summer), put on a bikini and shorts/tank or comfy dress, grab your shades, a good book/magazine, a few healthy snacks (fresh or dried fruit, a bottle of water, some nuts, chips, crackers, sandwiches, cookies), lie out on a blanket and soak up the sun. Don’t forget sunblock, of course!
Give yourself the time and space to enjoy the beauty of the ocean or other waterfront and relax.
-Chloe