6 Reasons why you need to take yourself on a date

Whether you’re single or married, you need the occasional night to yourself. Some of you may be thinking, “A night to myself? What is that?” We often have nights when we’re home, zoning out, watching TV, eating and feeling bored. We don’t need more of those nights. This isn’t the kind of night I’m referring to. Some of you may say, “A night to myself isn’t going to be fun. If I go out alone, people will think I’m weird or will assume I’m unlovable and lonely.” Believe me, one of the best ways to nurture ourselves is to plan a little date night out. Alone.

Here are a few reasons to consider taking yourself out on a date, even if it means ditching your man or your friends for a night:

Freedom. When you take a date night for yourself, the first benefit is the freedom to do whatever you want to do! You don’t have to make concessions for anyone else. It feels good to simply let a day or night, now and again, be all about you and your tastes. It reminds you of who you are, what you love, and that you can, in fact, feel fantastic all on your own.

Time. The greatest benefit about dates with yourself is that you can take your sweet time. There’s no agenda. No one’s rushing you to be somewhere. You can have a plan or you can just relax and fly by the seat of your pants on your date. It’s okay to slow down and enjoy the smaller pleasures of life.

Independence. Feeling self-satisfied on your own is important to your sense of self-worth and independence. Self-comfort and satisfaction comes from going out in public and having time to one’s self. It’s important for you to remember that you’re more than okay all on your own. A certain amount of time alone is exciting, relieving and nurturing to your soul.

Interest. People who can’t make a decision on a date or who always speak in “we” terms can annoy the other person because there’s no sense of self. When you spend a certain amount of time alone, it helps you develop your own opinions, preferences, and memories. Knowing what you want is sexy because it makes you interesting.

Solitude. Get over your fear of being alone. The more you practice entertaining, nurturing and dating yourself, you learn more about what you want in a partner. If you’re in a relationship, it’s important to reconnect with yourself and give to yourself all the details you feel you’re missing in your partner. It’s about being whole unto yourself. You are more attractive when you’re okay being alone. When you are by yourself you are with yourself.

Splurge. If you’re going to have this date with yourself, you may as well indulge in some pampering. You can shop or have a manicure and pedicure, massage, or facial. Whatever activity or treat will make you feel loved and well taken care of – gift this to yourself. You deserve it. When you pamper yourself, you’re acknowledging your lovability and value.

Other people enjoy your company right? So why shouldn’t you. As Buddha once said,“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.” Taking yourself on a date is one way for you love yourself.

Little life message:  Love yourself and take charge of your happiness.

How do you spend time alone?

Sherrie Campbell, Ph.D.

Dr. Sherrie Campbell is an author and a licensed Psychologist with more than nineteen years of clinical training and experience. She provides practical tools to help people overcome obstacles to self-love and truly achieve an empowered life. Get her free article on Five Ways to Make Love the Common Ground in Your Communication. She is also a featured expert on a variety of national websites and has a successful practice in southern California. Receive free insights from Sherrie and get involved in her Facebook community with others looking to improve their relationship. For more information visit SherrieCampbellPhD.com.

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