The past few years have taught us how to pause and reflect on the things that matter most. Yet many people still struggle to understand who they are and who they want to be. If that’s you, it’s time to invest in the most valuable relationship you have — the relationship with yourself. It’s time for you to learn how to date yourself.
What does it mean to date yourself?
When in a relationship, your attention is focused on the other person. However, we often forget to give ourselves that same attention and love. Dating yourself simply means spending time alone doing what you want. From taking the night off to cooking a nice meal, there are numerous ways to promote self-love.
How self-dating can improve romantic relationships
Self-dating can make you more confident and help you get in touch with your identity. When you’re able to accept yourself, romantic relationships can thrive. You can’t be devoted to another if you aren’t committed to yourself.
Understanding your wants and needs will also help you identify what you’re looking for in both friendships and romantic relationships. Dating involves a getting to know you period. Many find it hard to get past this stage if they do not know themselves.
We understand that self-dating is an uncommon practice for many people. It’s difficult to know where to start during a journey toward improved self-worth and acceptance. Below are three effective ways to self-date.
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State of Myself Meeting
Think of the President’s State of the Union Address, a company’s shareholders meeting, or teacher report cards. The purpose of these meetings is to find areas in need of improvement and recognize success. Many have wondered, “why can’t I have the same meeting to analyze and break down myself?”
Conducting a state of myself meeting can be a vulnerable experience. Set aside time where you are alone but comfortable. Begin by taking stock of your life: accomplishments, goals, failures, desires and feelings. Write it all down in a journal so that you can look back on it before your next state of myself meeting.
2. Love Letter to Yourself
Writing a love letter is meant to show someone how much you love and appreciate them. It’s also a great way to give yourself some love. Understand that what you are doing is not self-centered or vain; it’s actually the complete opposite. If you don’t love yourself, it’s nearly impossible to love another.
The letter should include:
Highlights of your best traits
Apologies for anything you’ve done to yourself
Support for your dreams
Thanks for your hard work
Once the letter has been written, you can put it in an envelope and address it. Then place the addressed envelope in a safe place where you can access it in times of need.
3.Self-Challenge Cards
Life can quickly turn into the same routine day after day. A lack of excitement, spontaneity, and expression can leave you feeling depressed. Luckily there are ways to keep the fire lit even when dating yourself.
Self-challenge cards are silly but fun ways to spice up alone time. Create a deck of cards labeled with random things to do like “turn up the music and have a dance party,” “cook a new recipe,” “quit a bad habit,” and more. Once you have chosen a card, you have to see the task through.
Self-challenge cards are an easy, affordable and no-company needed way to introduce spontaneity back into your life.
It’s time to love yourself. Whether you are self-dating or need new ways to show yourself that you matter, appreciating everything that makes you who you are can improve your lifestyle and happiness. The Dating Directory, a group of empowering women, is here to show you just how important you are.