'Solo dates'

‘Solo Dates’ – Taking yourself out might be the greatest thing you do this week!

Hello, and welcome back to another blog post!

Today I’m writing about something that’s become increasingly close to my heart over the past few months - solo dates. You might have heard the term floating around on social media, or maybe you’ve already been enjoying them without realising there was even a name for it. However, I want to dive a little deeper into what solo dates are, why they’re worth doing, and how they've become an important part of my own self-love journey.

So, what are solo dates?

In the simplest terms, a solo date is when you intentionally take yourself out for an experience or activity - just you. No pressure to invite a friend, no need for conversation, and no worrying about what someone else wants to eat or do. Whether it's going for a coffee, treating yourself to brunch, heading to the cinema, or wandering through a shop - it all counts.

But here’s the thing: a solo date is so much more than just doing things alone. It’s about consciously choosing to spend quality time with yourself. And that, in today’s world of constant connection and comparison, is very empowering.

Why go it alone?

Let’s be honest—taking yourself on a solo date tends to feel a bit intimidating at first. We’re often taught in life, that doing things alone equals loneliness, or that it’s somehow less enjoyable without company. But that couldn’t be further from the truth!

Solo dates are a form of self-care. They’re an opportunity to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with your inner world. They allow you to: explore your interests without compromise, recharge emotionally and mentally, build confidence in your independence, enjoy your own company—no distractions, no pressure, and do things at your own pace, in your own way.

When you remove the external noise, you start to tune in more to what you genuinely enjoy. You start to feel more grounded, more self-aware, and more in tune with your needs and desires. And honestly, that kind of inner connection is one of the most fulfilling relationships you can have.

My solo date experience (so far):

Lately, I’ve been making an effort to schedule more solo dates into my week—especially to help support my Mental Health and sense of self-worth. One of my favourite new rituals? Taking myself to Costa Coffee on a quiet Thursday or Friday afternoon after a long day at uni. I sit down with my uni work and let myself just be. There’s something so comforting about it—being in my own little bubble, watching the world go by, and giving myself space to breathe, reflect, and be productive, too.

These little moments have helped me feel more confident, more independent, and more in control of how I want to spend my time. I no longer feel the need to always be surrounded by others to feel content—and honestly, that’s been a beautiful shift.

You deserve to enjoy your own company

Here’s what I’ve realised: We spend so much time trying to meet other people’s expectations, keep up with social plans, or blend in with whatever everyone else is doing… that we sometimes forget to check in with ourselves. Solo dates gently push back against that. They remind us that we are enough - just as we are - and that we are allowed to find joy, peace, and fulfilment on our own terms.

What’s stopping you from taking yourself out on a solo date?

Is it fear of judgment? Nervousness about being alone in public? A packed schedule that leaves little time for yourself?

Whatever the reason, I promise you—if you give it a go, you might be surprised by just how empowering it feels. Start small. A coffee. A solo walk. A visit to your favourite shop. And let it grow from there.

You deserve time just for you.

With love,

Lou Mac x