While not always easy, a big part of self-love is putting yourself first and being kind to yourself. There are lots of ways to do this like practicing positive affirmations, reading self-love quotes and of course, taking yourself out on solo dates. If you’re looking to practice a little more self-love, this blog post will give you ten at-home solo date ideas to help get you started.
What are solo dates?
First though, what are solo dates? Easy, they are dates you go on by yourself. That’s right, solo. It’s all about being okay with, and hell even enjoying your own company.
When it comes to solo dates, your relationship status doesn’t matter. You could be in a monogamous relationship, a polyamorous relationship, single or somewhere in between. Solo dates are simply about spending time with yourself and doing things that make you happy.
Now at this point, you might be thinking, “Hah solo dating. Why would I ever do that?” Well, because what’s not to love about them? They’re fun, they make you feel good, and they can boost your confidence and help you grow.
Okay now that you’re on board with the solo date idea, here are some quick tips for making sure your solo dates are a success.
Tips for solo dates:
- Mark it in your calendar: Write it down or put it in your virtual calendar. This way you have something to look forward to, and you can make sure you actually follow through on it.
- Stay on budget: Yes, it’s important to have fun, but don’t break your wallet to do it.
- Make sure you’re having fun: If you’re not enjoying yourself, that’s okay. Just stop and find something else that you do enjoy.
- Stay in the moment: Yes, you might have lots of other things to do, but while on your solo date, try to stay present and focus only on having fun.
- Make it a regular thing: Don’t just go on one solo date and then stop there. Just like many couples have regular date nights, treat yourself to regular solo date nights. You could do it once a week, once a month, whatever works for you.
Now let’s dive into some solo date ideas you can try. Even if things aren’t entirely back to normal just yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and plan a solo date night at home. Here are ten solo date ideas you can do right at home to inspire you.
Solo dates ideas you can do at home
1. Takeout + movie
Stay in with a cozy movie night. Order food from your favourite restaurant, curl up under the blankets and put on a movie you love. Guaranteed good time.
2. Games + puzzles
If you’re a big video game fan, unleash your inner gamer and work on beating your high score. If you’re more into puzzles and IRL games though, challenge yourself to tackle a giant puzzle or play a solo game like Tiny Epic Galaxies, Spirit Island or Welcome To.
3. Spa day
Pamper yourself with an at-home spa day. Get all bundled up with a cozy robe and slippers, light some candles and then get your spa on by painting your nails, putting on some lotion, doing a face mask and/or having a bubble bath.
4. Take a virtual trip
Even if you can’t go on an actual vacation right now, who says you can’t go on a virtual one? From the Grand Canyon to Machu Picchu to the Great Wall of China, there are lots of virtual tours out there you can explore.
5. Take a class online
While some classes you’re probably taking aren’t all that fun (*cough cough like calculus 101), it doesn’t mean you can’t spend your date learning something new. No matter what you want to learn–cooking, photography, guitar, knitting–there are lots of videos and classes out there you can check out.
6. Virtual museum tour
While you may not be able to go to a real museum right now, you can still see many exhibits virtually. From The Louvre in Paris to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, you can experience art and history right from the comfort of your home.
7. Order something for yourself
Do a little shopping online and get yourself that thing you had your eye on. Or you can get something special delivered to your house like flowers or one of those subscription boxes you have always wanted. No matter what, treat yourself to something nice because you deserve it.
8. Make a fancy dinner (or dessert) for yourself
Fancy dinners aren’t just to impress friends and significant others, they are a great way to spoil yourself too. This doesn’t mean you have to go all out with truffles and oysters, but push yourself to make a special dinner (or dessert) you normally wouldn’t make for yourself.
9. Warm drink + book or audiobook/podcast
Got a book or podcast you have been meaning to get into? Grab a warm drink, a fuzzy blanket and your book (or headphones) before curling up in a comfy spot and diving right in.
10. Music + crafty project
Spend your solo date getting creative, whether it’s writing, painting, redecorating, cross-stitching, knitting, taking photos or some other crafty activity. Just crank on your tunes and start that project.
Final thoughts on solo date ideas
Solo dates may seem a little silly at first, but they are a fun, easy way to practice self-love and push you to put yourself first every once in a while. With these ten at-home date ideas, you are sure to have a great time.
