Things to Do Alone: How to Go on a Date with Yourself

Have you ever taken yourself on a date? No, seriously! We all have those days or nights where we're itching to get out of the house, but our partner isn't around (or doesn't exist), our friends aren't answering our texts, and you just can't get someone to go with you. So what do we do? We sit at home in front of Netflix instead and think, "Well, maybe tomorrow…" But what if your date night ideas are actually also perfect things to do alone?

Before you scoff, hear me out. I've always had a wicked independent streak and traveling alone has never been an issue for me, which is where most of my practice for finding things to do alone comes from. But it's not easy to take that same mentality and apply it at home. It takes practice! Though once you start, I guarantee that the times you head off on your own for a little date night with yourself will feel like some of the purest relaxation time you can get. To get you started, here are a few ideas for fun things to do alone to inspire you (along with some tips for newbies to make you feel at ease).

Go to a Museum

Museums are kind of the perfectly place to steal some time on your own. They're on the quieter side by nature (art museums in particular), so not having someone to chat with isn't much of an issue. It also means you can stroll through at your own pace. Hate Renaissance art? Skip it! Secretly love the geodes exhibit? Stay as long as you want! Revel in the freedom (especially if you have kids).

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Try a BYOB Painting Class

Popular with groups as a way to shake up the weekend, paint nights actually the perfect solo activity if you think about it. It gives you something specific to do, which can be really reassuring to the newcomer, and you can bring along your favorite beverage (whether it's a bottle of rosé or kombucha) to make your artistic me-time feel more relaxing.

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Dine Out

Eating alone at a restaurant is hands down the scariest concept to most people, but it doesn't have to be. It can feel reinvigorating where ordering in can sometimes just feel lazy and disappointing. Just take some time to think about where you want to go. Try somewhere with a great view so you have something you can really absorb while you dine and if nothing else, bring a book, a journal, or a magazine to throw yourself into. The only real advice? Try to stay off your phone if you can help it.

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Go on a Walking Tour

On a walking tour, with a guide leading the way and a group wandering alongside you, it won't feel so much like you're alone. You can lean on the guide, ask questions, and use it as a chance to explore a city in a new way. It's also the perfect time to take that ghost or segway tour your partner has always been too embarrassed to do with you.

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Book a Spa Day

If you've never treated yourself to a spa day, it can be as involved as a full package, massage and facial included, or as simple as a mani-pedi. But if you already regularly do those things for yourself, then you just need to tweak your timing and mindset. Instead of rushing in for your regular mani after work, take some time on a weekend morning, treat yourself to an extra service or two, and give yourself a chance to really relax.

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See a Concert

Like dining alone, going to a show by yourself is something that often sounds daunting to those that haven't tried it. But it can be hard to find someone to see the bands you love with you, especially as you get older. And who wants to risk missing a performer you love just because no one's free to tag along? It can of course depend, but I've often found that crowds can be pretty friendly to the solo concert-goer willing to save your spot while you run to the bar if you just ask!

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