I am going to give you the best dating advice. Before you date someone else, consider taking yourself out on dates.

When I first moved to Edmonton, I felt very lonely and sad. I deeply missed my old life-family, friends and everything in between. 

Having no friends, in my free time, I would go for long walks. During those walks, I would stumble upon parks, cafes and art galleries. The daily ritual of going for long walks and exploring the city soon turned into a beautiful necessity I looked forward to. 

I look back now and am grateful – in enacting that small ritual, through it, I was saying, “yes, I matter,” even when I felt tiny in that stage of my life. 

Fast forward to the present, I have realized that when we start dating someone, we want to know everything about the person we are dating. We go on several dates with that person. We have such keen curiosity about learning everything about our partner’s likes, dislikes, hobbies and passion.

But how often do we look within with the same curiosity? Today, I want you to plan your most ideal date: a hike, a gourmet meal or a wine tasting. As for me, it’s usually one the following:

1) Live Theatre:

 In my very first semester of university, I had an assignment- to write an analysis of Shakespeare’s Hamlet- a live theatre performance. Not having been to a live theatre show, I was beyond excited. I remember being mesmerized with the whole experience. I had never experienced anything like it. Up next on my list are Les Miserables, The Lion King and Moulin Rouge. 

2) A City Gateway 

A few years ago, I had a layover in Dallas for a few hours, which later extended for 12 hours. Staying at the airport for that long just seemed like a drag. So, I decided to get a train pass to Dallas city. I took a train to the downtown, went to the Dallas Museum Of Art. Followed by lunch at this nice pizza place and then some chocolate ice cream for dessert. 

Had it not been for the delay in my flight, I don’t think I would have made the deliberate effort to explore Dallas. Since then, I have taken mini trips to different cities. I also just really love something about feeling anonymous in a new city. 

3) A Picnic

One of the downfalls of living in Edmonton is that we rarely have sunshine here. So, during summers I love to pack a picnic with my favourite snacks, drinks and a book in a local park. And, just soak in all the sun I can. I usually go home after sunset. Easily one of my favourite solo dates. After every picnic, I always say to myself, “I need to do this more often.”

4) Cocktail and Dessert

Last year, my friend and I planned a girl’s date night at a local lounge. It was a beautiful Saturday night, and I pulled out my favourite dress and my best shoes. Soon after I got to the bar, my friend cancelled due to a last-minute emergency. 

Having already been sitting at the bar for 10 odd minutes, it seemed silly to not order a drink. The thing is, I had never been to a bar by myself. So, I felt very awkward sitting there by myself. But, one drink turned into several paired with a chocolate mousse. That night I thought to myself, “why haven’t I done this before?” Honestly, it was such a sanity-saving, luxurious evening, and even just remembering it brings a smile on my face. It’s one of the best dates I’ve ever had.

5) Home Cooked Candle Night Dinner

 Sometimes the best nights you will spend are the ones that you spend with yourself in the warmth and comfort of your home. Treat yourself to a home-cooked candlelight gourmet meal with a glass of wine and just enjoy the night. I think it’s essential to cook that beautiful meal, even if it’s just you. After all, the most important and significant relationship you have is the one with yourself. 

6) Movie & Dinner

When I was in high school, my brother would often go for afternoon movie matinees solo. I found it unusual and weird at the same time. I had never seen anyone go for a movie alone. It was always a social thing. He would never wait around for his friends to go for movies; he would just do it if he felt like it. Following his footsteps, I started going for movies solo, followed by dinner. A perfect date that you could never go wrong with.

What are some of your solo date night ideas? I would love to know.

P.S.

You are your soul mate.

xx

Yachna