It’s February which means advertisers like myself have you hella focused on love and togetherness. This means I need to slide in to say: if you are single, chill and don’t feel left out.

So let’s talk about a topic that might sound a smidge unorthodox, but bear with me because I truly believe there’s merit in it: Dating Yourself.

As someone who has been successfully dating herself for about one year after a tumultuous relationship, let me be the first to say: THIS is the move.

Things to Do When You Date Yourself:

1. Prioritize quality “me time”: Treat yourself to activities that bring you joy, whether it’s taking long walks in nature, indulging in a spa day, or grabbing a cup of coffee and settling down with a good book. The key is to intentionally set aside time for yourself and engage in activities that truly make you happy. By doing so, you’ll deepen your understanding of what fulfills you and develop a stronger sense of self.
2. Explore new interests: Be adventurous and open-minded by trying out new shit. Take up a hobby or enroll in a class you’ve always wanted to try. This could be anything from painting and writing to dancing or rock climbing – exploring new interests not only helps you grow as an person but also exposes you to new opportunities and potentially introduces you to like-minded folks, if you catch my drift.
3. Practice self-reflection and self-love: In order to build a strong relationship with yourself, it’s essential to engage in introspection and embrace self-love. Take time to reflect on your personal growth, assess your emotional needs, and be gentle with yourself during the journey. Practice self-care through acts of kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness. Remember, if you don’t love yourself, why on Earth would anyone else?

Reasons to Date Yourself:

1. Greater self-awareness: Taking a break from dating allows you to focus on your own wants, needs, and desires. By spending quality time alone, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of who you are as an individual, paving the way for healthier and more fulfilling relationships in the future.
2. Strengthened independence: Being single and purposefully dating yourself helps build autonomy and a sense of independence. It allows you to rely on yourself for happiness, fulfillment, and personal growth. This newfound independence will radiate in all areas of your life, making you feel more confident and empowered. Codependency, who?
3. Reduced pressure and expectations: Let’s face it – dating can often bring about pressure and high expectations. By taking a break from the dating scene, you free yourself from this weight and can enjoy the blissful freedom of just being yourself. No need to impress anyone or worry about impressing others. It’s a time for you to simply be you, and that is incredibly liberating.

In a society that often places way too much pressure and emphasis on being in a relationship, it’s easy to forget the importance of self-discovery and self-love.

When you don’t know who you are or what you want, you will settle for anything.

Take a year off from dating, and see how it transforms your life. Trust me, you’ll come out stronger, more self-aware, and ready to embrace whatever the future holds. After a toxic relationship, I took time to regroup internally and guess what? My discernment has never been better and I’ve had quite possibly the best relationships, yet.

Don’t settle bestie.