I Took Myself On a Date

I wrote a blog post a while ago about my first time going stag at the airport. It was my first “big-girl” moment since making the switch to pull-ups. I’ve (arguably) lived some life since then, learned some lessons, and am back with you today to tell you about my first date…with myself.

Some context: I took myself to a movie. Some more context: it was a crier. Even more context: I sat between two couples.

Cue mildly-sympathetic, “OHHH, HONEY!”

But don’t get ahead of yourself. It was actually amazing.

Here’s how it went:

Friday, October 26, 2018

3:30pm Home from school, work, and an interview. Pissed at the world. Loving my memory foam mattress topper.

4:45pm Realizing I have zero plans (per usual). Texting a friend who I knew wanted to see this movie.

4:46pm Friend is busy. Panic.

5:00pm Screw it, I’ll go alone.

6:45pm Sprinting to my car. Somehow managing to be late to a date with myself?

6:47pm Embracing the moment, turning on John Legend’s new Christmas album. Yes, it’s October.

7:00pm Screaming at the traffic because it’s making me late.

7:01pm Realizing that when there is no S.O. waiting for your arrival, you literally cannot be late.

7:10pm Five minutes to spare. If I weren’t dating myself in this moment, I’d be doing power poses and hyping myself up. Instead, I’m ordering the popcorn combo intended for little kids and deciding if I’ve earned a box of chocolate. I have.

(Cut to saddest part of the movie and me crying, sandwiched between two cuddling couples)

10:15pm Walking back to my car. Mascara’s gone. Past my bedtime. More Christmas music on the drive home.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like going a movie alone to make you feel, well, alone. Not to go interventionist on you, but there is also nothing like being alone to make you feel incredibly connected – to yourself, to your surroundings, to your insecurities. Taking time to intentionally be with (and love) yourself might be uncomfortable at first, but how can we expect to connect meaningfully with others if we can’t even connect with ourselves?

Well, there you have it. My first solo date.

You should date yourself, too.