Be a Great Date… For Yourself

It wasn’t even 2 hours into February 1 before the dating site ads and #couplegoals pics started popping up all over social media. Not to be outdone, are the stores displaying everything red and pink under the sun.

While I love me some Valentine’s Day and yes, celebrating  L-O-V-E, the globalized message that you’re incomplete without an S.O. is everywhere, all the time. Thank goodness it’s just simply not true! Showing major love to those in your circle and most importantly— yourself—are all important things to do as well; hence why I love me some Galentine’s Day too!

All of this got me thinking, even if you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day why not switch things up and be a great date…for yourself while you’re at it!

Some ideas:

GET GLAMOURED UP

When you look good, you feel good right? It’s so easy to reserve your favorite things for special occasions, but why not pull out a piece or two that reminds you to celebrate loving you! 

Whether you take yourself out for brunch, view an art exhibit, or even just order in, it’s ok to dial up the special for no other reason than you deserving it. That’s right, be your best you just for you by doing or wearing – whatever makes you feel comfortable, confident, and pretty!

GO PLACES AND DO THINGS THAT BRING YOU JOY

What brings you joy? Is it a relaxing sunset drive? Blasting your favorite music? Cozying up at a bookstore with a good cup of Joe or specialty tea and a good read? How about a leisurely nature hike?

Take a minute to sit down with yourself and jot down a list of places and things that bring you joy. Not only will it spark anticipation but it will also allow you to reconnect with what makes you feel alive! More importantly, you’ll gain a moment to reflect and just be introspective! #alwayslookingforwaystogrow.

SELF-CARE

While I’m always talking about self-care and relaxing, it doesn’t just have to be bubble baths, facials, and salt scrubs you know; even though those are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G ?. 

Self-care can simply mean taking yourself for a walk, doing some restorative yoga, sleeping in, or even just cooking yourself a homemade meal. The best way to show yourself, love, is to do things that enliven you while making you feel more at home within your body. 

EMPOWER YOURSELF

Offer up love and support to yourself by immersing yourself in empowering activities and behaviors. Whether it’s a physical, artistic, or intellectual activity, pursuing your passions sends the message to yourself that your needs matter–something that’s so important in a healthy relationship. 

The more you do things that make you feel like your most powerful self, the more empowered you’ll become. 

LOVE YOURSELF

Kind of like empowering yourself, loving yourself is just as important. Sometimes we can easily get lost overextending ourselves, absorbing too much negativity #cutoutthetoxic, or even focusing on other people’s expectations. If you find yourself trying to avoid calls or texts, or getting anxious when you do have to interact or be in certain situations, it may be time to consider setting up some boundaries.  Remember, saying no doesn’t mean you don’t care or aren’t vested in a great outcome for someone else; sometimes it just means, I can’t give you any more than I have. 

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If you haven’t gathered yet, I’m a strong believer that one of the most important relationships you will ever have is with yourself. Anybody or situation that makes you feel anything other than validated, appreciated, cared for, and loved, deserves a hard look and some re-evaluation of the place it occupies in your life. So be good to you and the rest will fall in place.  

How will you date yourself?