A perfect way to refocus on all of life’s distractions is to date yourself. Dating yourself may sound weird but it can reinforce the idea that there is beauty behind understanding your true nature and what gives you joy.

How to Plan a Solo Date:

Step 1. Think about things that you enjoy doing
Some ideas for a solo date can be going to the beach, watching a movie in theaters or trying new places to eat. All of these are perfect ways to take yourself out on a date. The reason for going somewhere that you enjoy is to go alone while not feeling lonely. Just because you are alone does not make you lonely. That’s why you pick things that you enjoy, not what someone else would suggest to do.

Step 2. Plan out the date
Decide where you are going, what time you are going and what you will be doing. Decide all of this ahead of time so you’re not winging it. You want to have a good date with yourself so you can leave yourself wanting more.

Step 3. Dress for the occasion
Act as if you were going out on a date with someone other than yourself. If you’ve been wanting to try a new restaurant or have a new experience, you need to wear your best outfit. Look good for yourself. It may be cliche, but when you look good, you feel good.

Step 4. Bring a book or a journal
Bringing a book or a journal helps with the first-time jitters. In a journal, you can write about what you’re feeling at that moment, make a list of goals or places you want to go to or jot down questions that you want to ask yourself. All of these examples are to help get to know yourself. What are your wants? What goals do you want to accomplish?

Step 5. Put away your phone and enjoy yourself
This is dedicated “me-time.” Be present. Look around and enjoy where you are. If you’re eating, savor the food. If you’re at the beach, relish the warmth of the sun on your skin and listen to the waves crashing.

Step 6. Be dedicated to yourself
This is a commitment to yourself. Be committed to dedicating time, money and energy to yourself. Everything that you would put into a relationship with someone should also be applied toward yourself.

Step 7. Evaluate the date with yourself
Did you enjoy it? Did you like the place that you picked? What did you learn about yourself? These are all excellent questions to better understand what you like and don’t like. If you get overwhelmed with your first experience, try going to the movies, have a spa day or take an interesting class. Start with activities that are your speed so that you’re more comfortable.

Step 8. Stay consistent
Consistency is a key factor when dating yourself. Put it on the calendar to make time for yourself. It doesn’t have to be every week but don’t forget to make time for yourself either. You wouldn’t want your significant other to ever feel ghosted so remember not to ghost yourself.

A Solo Date is About You

All of these steps will help shed some clarity on your inner self. It’s good to be selfish and use that “me-time” to not only reflect but actually enjoy being with yourself. If you can’t stand to date yourself, don’t expect anyone else to either. The longest relationship you will ever have is with yourself so get to know yourself and fall in love.