The Practice of Self-Dating
With so much pressure on forming relationships with others, there is one relationship that is often overlooked: your relationship with yourself. As this is the longest relationship anybody will ever have, it is important to make it a priority, even if at times it may seem hard. But you can learn how to date yourself by setting aside time for self care.
To give this relationship the attention it deserves, you can start by dating yourself. By giving yourself this time and attention, you can learn more about yourself and improve your life with or without a significant other.
How to Date Yourself – What Does it Mean?
Famously termed by Emma Watson, being self-partnered is an alternative term to what some might refer to as being single. As a self-partnered individual, you are nurturing your relationship with yourself.
When dating yourself, you are focusing your attention on yourself the way you would a significant other. This allows you to spend time with yourself alone, doing whatever it is you want to do.
This can be done by taking yourself on dates and doing things that make you feel happy. By treating yourself with care, you can bring newfound happiness into your life.
Self-Dating Is Self-Care
Learning how to date yourself starts with an understanding that self-dating and self-care go hand in hand. When you are dating someone, it is common that you go out of your way to show them you care. By practicing self-care, you are doing the same thing to yourself.
When practicing self-care, it is important that you are taking care of both your mental and physical health. Follow along to learn more about how you can incorporate self-care into your self-dating life.
- Self-dating improves your mental health. Going on a spontaneous adventure or giving yourself the night off gives you a break from your daily life, allowing you to de-stress.
- Self-dating can also improve your physical health. Going on a fun hike or cooking yourself a healthy meal will help you stay active and healthy.
- Self-dating is also a great time to try a new hobby. Taking up a hobby like gardening, painting, or playing a musical instrument is a fun way to add some spice to your life.
By practicing self-care, you can help improve your mental and physical health while dating yourself.
How to Date Yourself – 3 Self-Date Ideas
On top of practicing self-care, taking yourself on dates is one of the best parts of being self-partnered. Follow along for 3 self-date ideas you can explore!
1. State of Myself activity
For this date, find a quiet place to write and grab your favorite notebook. Begin by reflecting on your past year and responding to the prompts included in this printable. This self-date works best if repeated yearly, so be sure to save your responses.
When you are reflecting on the past year, be sure to keep these aspects in mind:
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- Your finances
- Your professional life
- Your mental and emotional health
- Your relationships with others
- Your health and fitness
- Your overall well being
Once a year has passed, begin this date by revisiting your previous responses. This can help you assess what things have improved or may need some work in your life.
2. Love Letter to Yourself
Something as simple as a handwritten letter is a great way to show someone you care. Similar to using self-love affirmations, writing a love letter to yourself is a great way to show yourself some love. For this date, take the time to sit down and write one.
As you write the letter, ask yourself these important questions:
- What do you like most about yourself?
- What do you want to achieve?
- What have you accomplished this year?
- What are you most thankful for about yourself?
Need more inspiration? The following printable includes more suggestions to help guide you through the writing process.
3. Self-Challenge Cards
A great way to learn more about yourself and to grow is by challenging yourself. Whether it is trying a new recipe or shutting off your phone for a few hours, these unique experiences can help bring perspective and joy to your life.
This self-date can help you do just that. Once completed, this date can provide you with fun experiences for weeks and weeks to come.
To complete this self-date:
- Print out the printable
- Cut out the individual cards
- Place them in a jar
- Draw a card every week
- Complete the activity
Bonus tip: Once completing an activity, journal about your feelings and how you liked the experience!
Give it a shot!
Now that you have learned more about what it means to date yourself, it is time to put it to the test! As you focus more energy on your relationship with yourself, you may start to find yourself a little happier.
As you practice self-care and begin to take yourself on dates, you will finally be giving yourself the love and attention you deserve. By practicing self-dating, you will be taking an important next step in your relationship with yourself, greatly benefiting your life and happiness.
