How to Take Yourself on a Date (and Love It)

Somewhere along the way, we were taught that going out alone is sad. Like ordering a table for one means you’ve failed at life. But let me tell you something — taking yourself on a date is elite behavior. And once you do it, there’s no going back.

There’s a certain power in saying “Yes, I will take myself out tonight,” especially when your last date with another human was a swipe-right disaster where he talked about his mom’s cats for 45 minutes. So here’s the ultimate guide to treating you like the absolute queen you are — solo date and all.

First things first: pick a place that screams “you deserve this.” Maybe it’s a cozy café with pastries that should cost more than rent. Maybe it’s that fancy restaurant where the candles judge you — but you’ll eat dessert first because YOLO. The goal isn’t to look cool… it’s to feel damn good.

On the way there, blast your anthem. I don’t care if it’s *NSYNC or Billie Eilish — that car ride is your runway. Roll the windows down and own every second. If someone sees you lip-singing and gives you that strange side glance? Perfect. You’ve already won.

Sitting alone? Here’s the twist: this is quality you time, not a punishment. Pull out a notebook. Write a love letter to yourself. People write dramatic poems about heartbreak — why not pour your heart into the person who actually deserves it: YOU. Order two drinks if you want. One for sipping, one for dramatic giggles.

Then enjoy your meal. Eat it slowly. Taste it. Instagram it if you want — but only if the caption is fire. Post it with “Trying to out-class the chef (so far, winning).” Honestly, even your leftovers will feel fancy later.

When you’re done, take a walk. Feel the air. Smile at strangers like you're in a movie. The world doesn’t need to be confusing and loud — tonight, it’s the backdrop to your own personal glow-up montage. And when you get home? Bask. You survived the date, didn’t talk yourself out of it, and learned something: you’re really fun company.

Learning to take yourself out is really just learning how to enjoy your own presence. And once you realize you don’t need company to feel complete, everything changes. You stop waiting. You start living. And suddenly, life feels a little more romantic — even if it’s just you and dessert.