I’m single. Unmarried. No partner. Most years I would spend Valentine’s Season dating myself. Obviously, not on the day itself. That’s a hassle. Anyway, the past few years I have been spending it here at home. And I quite enjoy it. To be honest, I date myself even on other days. Anytime I feel like it. Here are my Solo Dating Ideas if you want to have a fun and memorable day.
What is Solo Dating?
I am not even sure if that is a legit term for it but it is the word I use when I go out and date myself. Been doing it since I was in college. And I have been doing it more often now that I am usually just at home.
I love eating alone. Watching a movie alone. Basically, treating myself to a fun time. Alone.
Before, I would usually do it when I want to celebrate something special. Not necessarily Valentine’s Day or my birthday. But anything I want to celebrate. Like closing a client deal. Finishing a project. Whatever or whenever I feel happy. Or even when I feel sad.
Preparing for your Solo Date
What makes a solo date different from just doing anything ordinary alone is the preparation and planning that goes into it. I would usually set a time and date when I would do it. Usually, it would be in the middle of the week when there are less people out.
Dressing Up
Another thing I do when taking myself on a date is dressing up and applying makeup. It does not have to be extra fancy or new. Special enough for photos and to make myself feel even better. Now, that I date myself just at home, I still take time and effort to dress up a bit. But I almost always end up wearing my favorite most comfy clothes. Which is just a little bit nicer than my house clothes. Haha!
Skincare
And do my skincare regimen.
Makeup application can be tedious and takes time. Most days, I just shower. Do my skincare routine. And I am ready for my date night. Sometimes, the skincare routine and self-pampering in itself is already the date.
Solo Dating at Home
Since the pandemic started, I have been treating myself to dates more. Some of it have become regular occurrences in my life. But they remain to be special. Why? Because I say so and think so.
Dine In
My favorite kind of date, solo or not, inside or outside the home, is eating. Yes, I love food and I love eating. For your solo date, you may opt to learn a recipe and prepare your meal or order from your favorite restaurants. Or may try something new, why not?
Personally, I would recommend learning the recipe of your favorite dish. I love pasta dishes. And it is also what I cook most often. Here is one of my favorites.
I also love cooking no-fuss recipes like Kimchi Rice, salads, and stir fry dishes. These are easy to make and also easy to customize according to taste. Nowadays, it is easy to find recipes of these. And also easy to source and buy ingredients.
If you find cooking troublesome, order in. Make it a little bit special by transferring the food into a nice plate. Partner it with your favorite soda. Or some wine. Play some soothing music while dining. Or maybe even read a book.
Afterwards, have some dessert and a cup of coffee.
Movie Marathon
My favorite solo dates are dates when I go to the cinema alone. Unfortunately, I have not been to the cinema since 2019. It has been such a long time. Luckily, I still get to have my own movie solo date experience at home. Even better, it is way cheaper and I get to do it as often as I want to.
I usually order or prepare my own popcorn or chips. Mix my own milk tea or iced coffee. And prepare my playlist. Right now, I am in the middle of an MCU Marathon on Disney Plus.
Check out my “Anti-Valentines Movie Playlist.” I recommend movies with female leads that do not have romance or romantic relationships as a major plot point. The list has something for everybody. There’s comedy. A little bit of drama. Some action and adventure. There are even animated films.
Other streaming platforms I love and recommend are Viu and Netflix. Plus, iWantTFC for Filipino films and series.
Shop
And of course, shop online.
Most days, I scroll and browse through shopping platforms for their daily flash sales and special offers. Aside from buying skincare products and KPop merchandise and albums, I also enjoy shopping for many different things. I love buying home items, especially kitchen tools and organizers. Also cute and practical trinkets.
Most of my shopping recommendations are on my lifestyle blog, Diyosa Life. Check it out.
And if you do not have a huge budget, that’s ok. Browsing through shopping platforms could be relaxing in itself. No need to press check out.
Enjoy Your Day
Other solo date activities you can do at home are pampering sessions, gaming, wine and cheese night, or yoga and meditation. Just think of and plan for an activity which you would enjoy doing. Plan for it. Schedule it. And make sure you have nothing else to worry about.
The important thing is you enjoy it. And have nothing to worry about.
Valentine’s Offer
Make sure your home and your internet connection are ready for solo date. Upgrade your PLDT Home Fiber plan until February 28. Get a complimentary subscription to your choice of HBO GO or Viu when you do. You also get free PLDT Home Rewards Crystals that you can redeem for perks, discounts, and bonuses with partner brands and services.
If are not yet a PLDT Home subscriber, enjoy a Valentine’s deal when you apply until February 19. YSave on your subscription by getting free installation and activation worth PhP3600.
Register to the PLDT Home Rewards program until February 28 to get additional 214 Crystals that you can use for discounts and deals. Visit pldthome.com to find out more about PLDT Home.
Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.