Practicing Self-Love: Summer Solo Date Ideas

No matter what anyone says, loving yourself is always more important than finding love.

It’s often in our culture that we abandon the idea of self-love in favor of finding the “one” or focusing our attention on others. And though falling in love with someone else is a beautiful happening, it is not to be placed above falling in love with yourself.

To live life fully is to do more than just tolerate ourselves. We must respect, care, and love ourselves so that our mental and emotional health stays in tune with our souls.

Going out by yourself to practice self-love is extremely important, and there are many ways to do it.

(Many people may feel that solo dates are socially challenging, so I went ahead and labeled the difficulty level for all my readers with situational anxiety.)

Try a New Drink or Food Place (Level 1 Difficulty)

Finding new places to eat or drink is always a fun experience by yourself. There’s no pressure to like the meal and no pressure to share it.

Go to your local coffee shop and try their seasonal drink. Find a mom-and-pop donut shop and get your favorite childhood treat. You may love it and take others there in the future. You may hate it and laugh to yourself about how gross it is.

Regardless, you’re having a good time because you’re getting to know yourself better.

See a Movie (Level 1-2 Difficulty)

I used to be someone who didn’t want to see movies alone. But after going by myself in the recent month, I am now an official spokesperson for this solo date.

The experience of seeing a movie by yourself is personal and intimate, and it relieves some of the awkwardness of being in a public space by yourself.

I recommend that you do more than just watch a movie at a theater. SEE a movie at a theater. Maybe this time, pay extra for the high-definition screen. Go to the theater with the recliner chairs. Buy yourself a large popcorn and drink, and roll your eyes at the ridiculous prices. It’s fun to try something different at the theaters, especially if you’re a normal moviegoer.

Get a Pedicure (Level 3 Difficulty)

I know a lot of people don’t like getting their feet touched, which is completely understandable. If so, skip ahead because this one isn’t for you.

For all my people who don’t mind it, going to a nail salon and specifically getting your feet done is a luxury.

What your feet look like is between you and the person working that day. Listening to calming music as a person cleans up your feet is surprisingly relaxing and not nearly as embarrassing or weird as getting a pedicure with a few friends.

Though the person working may judge how your feet look, it doesn’t matter. You’re getting a pedicure, you’re making sure your feet look as put together as possible, and you’re hanging out by yourself.

Read a Book at a Restaurant (Level 4 Difficulty)

I got this idea from my own father, who loves to eat at restaurants, specifically when they aren’t busy, and reads a book while he waits and eats his food.

Everyone always has that one book they’ve been putting off reading. It was given as a gift or bought by your own self, the words “I should start reading again” gracing your mind. Well, now it’s time to actually read it.

And what better time than at a restaurant while you wait for your food?

Going to a restaurant can feel extremely awkward for most people since restaurants are usually occupied by two or more people. But reading a book makes the solo date more intentional and peaceful. It keeps you occupied as you wait for your meal, while also forcing you to make progress in the untouched book.

It may sound like a weird thing to do, but I would definitely give it a try before writing it off. Who knows, it could be your new favorite activity.

Something More Specific to You (Level 5 Difficulty)

Have you ever wanted to skydive?

Have you ever wanted to go to a wildlife reserve?

Have you ever wanted to try a painting class?

Usually, when people answer these questions, they make a note that they wanna do it with someone else they love.

Well, I’m here to tell you that you can do this by yourself. You only have one life.

Making sure to do the activities that you’ve always wanted to do, whether by yourself or with another person, is extremely important. It shows that you’re paying attention to your own needs and caring for yourself. Don’t be afraid to take that step into what you love alone.

Doing activities you’ve always wanted to do by yourself is a step to getting to know yourself and a step to becoming your own best friend. Don’t forget that we have to spend our whole lives with ourselves. Might as well make the most of it.

By Asia Collins | Published June 4, 2025