BUDGET FRIENDLY SOLO DATE IDEAS
Learning to love me has been a struggle throughout my life. And if you saw me last year you may have thought I was on the edge of being a lost cause. I had no idea who I was, what I liked, or even the direction my life was headed. In the past, I was so sure of my dreams and 10 years later even that seemed to throw me for a loop.
What type of person doesn’t know what they like?
What type of person has to google hobbies to find one?
A person who gave all of themselves to others for so long that it left them empty as to who they are. Self-discovery requires intentionality. Spending time with God is a big part of it. The other side of that which gets glossed over for Christians is spending time with yourself. Learning to love who God created. Being firm on what you like or dislike without the filter of other people’s opinions. Knowing yourself comes with spending time with yourself.
As a homebody, I have had a great time over the past year spending time by myself. As a recovering people pleaser, it’s been astoundingly peaceful. Running to the store and taking my sweet time. Binge-watching shows no one else wants to watch. Giving myself spa treatments. Drawing pictures with my mediocre skills. Or exploring local coffee shops to discover something new.
I will admit, doing the type of solo dates I really want to do would run the bill up. And don’t talk to me about getting caught up with what they do on social media. Scrolling on Instagram you’ll see luxurious spa days, international vacations, the glamorous wine, and dining for one at a steakhouse. But some of us don’t have it like that. So here are a few ideas of how you can treat yourself without breaking the bank:
Coffee shop date
Home spa treatments
Watching a movie at home (or your favorite TV shows)
Read a book or journal at the park, local lake, or beach
Picnic
Visit a museum/free art exhibit
Attend community events or festival
Bike ride
Watch the sunset
Cook a new recipe
Explore a farmer’s market
Scenic drive
Outdoor fitness class
Arboretum or botanical garden
Visit a zoo or aquarium
Listen, if you got “go across the world” money more power to you. I love that for you. But let’s also be real that our journey can also contain the home remedy version of what we’d like to do. I hope this list helps you brainstorm even better ideas that you will enjoy with you, yourself, and you. Learning to love the person within is a journey that doesn’t magically happen overnight. So embrace the moment. Surprise yourself. Have fun. Show you what you’ve been missing.