5 Tips for Your First Solo Date: What to Expect and Where to Go

Going out with friends and family is so much fun, but what about spending time alone? I love taking myself on solo dates every now and again. I might go to a local museum or even see a show by myself.

Your relationships with others are often governed by your relationship with yourself – and that is only enhanced by spending some good quality time catching up with the most important person in your life. You!

In this post, I want to take a look at how to get started solo dating. What exactly is solo dating? How can you enjoy your own company without feeling lonely? Let’s take a look.

What is solo dating?

Solo dating is the concept of taking yourself out on dates. You could go for a meal alone or head to a local nature spot. It’s completely up to you!

It’s all about dating yourself – getting to know yourself, learning what you love to do, and maybe even investing in some personal development along the way.

You really don’t need someone else to have fun. I’m lucky enough to have friends, family and a partner who I love spending time with, but I still enjoy my own company.

Going on solo dates is a great way to pause for thought, try out a new activity and spend a day entirely on your own terms.

5 tips for your first solo date

Let’s take a look at 5 tips for your first solo date, including how to avoid feeling awkward and how to make the most of your time.

1. Plan ahead

I can’t help it, I’m a planner! Solo dating needs some level of planning, especially when you first start out. This might mean planning travel time, booking any activities or looking at menus.

I often get anxious about things like train travel, so I like to plan out my journey and make sure I know where I’m going. Planning ahead can also help with activities closer to home, as you can decide exactly how you’ll spend your time.

Take some time to think about the order of activities for your big solo date. That way, you can avoid any awkward moments and feel completely comfortable in your own company.

2. Choose the right activity

Choose the right activity for your solo date. If you’re looking to get to know yourself better, you could spend time journaling in a local café, for example.

If this is your first time solo dating, start small. Take yourself to a café for a coffee or go for a nice long walk. It’s all about gauging your comfort level.

Some people might feel awkward eating alone, whereas others might feel anxious about travelling too far, so consider exactly what you want to do.

3. Take a book

Or just something to do! When you’re on your own, it’s easy to feel a bit restless or watched – even though I promise no one cares what you’re up to.

Use your book, notebook or even your phone to feel a little less awkward. This is a great option if you’re waiting around, like if you’re getting the train or bus.

I like to go to ballets or other shows alone. However, there can be some waiting around during intervals or before things get started. A book in my hands instantly makes me feel calmer.

I also recommend getting out a book or your phone when eating alone. This can require some planning, such as cutting up your food before you get started, but it means you don’t feel quite so “watched” while you’re out and about.

Check out my book recommendations to find the perfect book for your next solo date!

4. Make a commitment to yourself

If you organised a date with friends, family or your partner, you would treat it as an important commitment, so why not do the same for time alone?

It’s so easy to book in work or other commitments instead of spending time on ourselves. Block out time for your solo date, even if it’s only an hour or two.

There’s no need to commit hours and hours to solo dating. If you’re busy at work or you have a family, you might simply take a couple of hours every month to do something by yourself.

5. Treat yourself

When you go on a date with your partner, you treat them. You might buy them something nice or compliment them on their outfit. So, the same goes for your solo date. Use your solo date as an excuse to show yourself some love and care.

You could order dessert, take the day off from work or just tap into exactly what you need. It’s all about showing yourself the same attention you might show someone else.

For example, I was a little under the weather last week, so I spent a lot of time inside. By the weekend, I was ready to stretch my legs, so I took myself on a long walk through the countryside. This felt like a real treat after a rubbish week!

My top 10 solo date activities

Here are some fun, easy and accessible activities for your first-ever solo date:

1. Read a book in your local café
2. Go for a hike
3. Visit a nearby city, town or village for the day
4. Take yourself for a decadent meal
5. Go to a spa alone
6. Visit a local museum or art gallery
7. Book a new activity, such as a cooking class
8. Go to the pub for a drink – alcoholic or non-alcoholic!
9. Take yourself to a musical, ballet, play or concert
10. Go for a picnic

Whether you’re in a relationship or not, solo dates are a great way to spend a little time alone. You don’t have to spend a lot of money – and you can truly get to know yourself.

Have you ever taken yourself on a solo date? What is your favourite solo activity? Do you have any recommendations for fun places to take yourself on a date?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments 🙂

Happy reading x