I was talking to my girlfriends today. Let me preface this piece by saying that they are in their early 30's, successful in their chosen career. Haven't been in a relationship for years and haven't gone on a real date in months. But they are happy.
It seems that every other conversation I have is with people around my age is about being single. Hannah, how am I supposed to meet someone when everyone attractive and dateable is already taken?” “Hannah, I can’t go to another wedding without a +1, it’s embarrassing!” “Hannah, I want to have a family and I’m 32 and single, my life is worthless!”
These conversations often surprise me. First off, if so many amazing people are single, why is everyone having so much trouble meeting the right partner?
Second, and more alarming, is why people are so distraught about being single. Rather than stress about how hard it was to meet the perfect woman/man at the age of 30. Why don't you date yourself?
Take yourself out on a date. Allow yourself to realize that your happiness does not depend on anyone or anything. Smile. See those wonderful lights in the night sky? Think how blessed you are by being able to see such beauty for free. Allow yourself to appreciate the simplest things in life.
Go out to your favorite restaurant, order exactly what you want to eat, and drink a glass of red wine. Buy yourself a new shirt or pair of shoes. Go to the bookstore and buy a new book you’re dying to read. Take yourself to a show this weekend — music, theater, comedy — whatever you love most. Go to a movie by yourself and sit in the exact seat you want to sit in. Go on an adventure to a place you’ve never been before.
Take yourself out on a date. Regardless of whether you are in a relationship, or married, or engaged or single. Find time to take yourself out on a date anyway. Find time to be with yourself. Find time to be in touch with your inner being. Find time to be YOU.
Take yourself out on a date. And let it be the best date of your life. Cause why not? No one else knows you better than you, right?
So by all means. Please. Go. Take yourself out on a date. You should. You must. You have to. You need to. You deserve to.