Buy Yourself Flowers: Dates to Take Yourself on This Summer
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Grier Calagione. Find her on Instagram at @g_fac. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Is it a beautiful sunny day and you’re sitting inside with nothing to do? Take yourself on a date. The concept may seem a little strange, but planning some one-on-one time with yourself is an important part of self-care. Today we are going to lay out five dates to take yourself on this summer: parks, happy hours, movies, museums and markets!
The Park
Going to the park is a classic solo date that is always relaxing and enjoyable. Pack a picnic for one, a good book and a blanket, and relax in the sunshine. There’s something about a park in summer that always has the best energy. Between people watching, children playing and dogs chasing, there’s always something to make you smile.
Happy Hour
Getting dinner by yourself can be nerve-wracking, asking for a table for one is enough to turn someone off from the solo dining experience. So start with a drink! Get yourself all dressed up and head to a nice hotel bar, grab a cocktail, and maybe an appetizer, and enjoy. Sitting alone at the bar is a good way to take yourself out stress-free. Whether you listen to a podcast or chat with the bartender, this experience can be as social or intimate as you make it. The best part? The walk home, with a few cocktails down and a successful solo date under the belt.
Movies
Going to the movies is a great introduction to me-time. Get yourself some popcorn and all your favorite snacks, you don’t have to share! It doesn’t matter if it’s a movie you’re excited about or whatever happens to be playing, going solo to the movies is a great time to spend time with yourself without being left alone with your thoughts.
Museum
Walking around a museum is the solo activity for the win. You get culture, reflection, beauty and your steps in. Checking websites like TripAdvisor will help you find every museum in your area- my favorites are the niche ones you didn’t know were right nearby. These museums typically have friendly staff excited to chat and guide your experience. But, if you simply want to pop on your headphones and stroll through some genius, head to a larger museum in a city center for a truly solo experience.
Fairs and Markets
Doesn’t matter whether it’s craft or farmers, heading to a fair or market can be a great social solo date. If you’re like me and love to shop, this is a dangerous one. I always find that vendors are often chatty to single customers, which leaves me browsing and buying. But there’s nothing more satisfying than scouring clothing racks on a sunny day at a pop-up market in the park. You’ll experience unique products, happy people and positive energy. If you live in a city, walking around major parks and avenues on a weekend day is a surefire way to stumble upon a market of treasure. If you’re in a more rural area check out your town bulletin for events like craft fairs or farmers markets, these spots often foster a great sense of community.
No matter what date you choose to take yourself on, the important part is enjoying your own company. Taking yourself on a date can be as simple as cooking dinner and eating by the TV, it’s the act of making sure you’re creating healthy and happy time alone.
Looking for dates to take yourself on? We hope this article helped! Have other ideas? Let us know in the comments!