This is not Noah’s Ark.

This is the real world, in which we’re not all lined up two by two—and, for singles, this can mean falling victim to the marketing ploy that tells us that holidays are for lovers. And vacations are for lovers. And restaurants, movie theaters, and basically everything that we can imagine is for couples, not singles.

At least, that’s how it feels when we’re buying that ticket for one or asking for a table for one, while the host or hostess is looking behind us for another guest.

I don’t believe that coupled people are automatically more happy than single people, and I don’t buy into the idea that every experience should be reserved for a relationship.

In fact, here are 10 dates that are possible for single people to enjoy. When you’re single and fabulous, there’s no need to wait for a relationship to be treated like a queen (or king).

1. Go out for a candlelit dinner. Remember that romantic, upscale restaurant you’ve always wanted to try? Yes, that one. Make a reservation for one. Dress up, and show up ready for a wonderful meal. Don’t sit at the bar. Don’t rush your meal. Instead, savor the experience. Take your time. Order dessert. After all, you deserve it.

2. Have a picnic under the stars. No date? No problem. Find a location with a good view of the starry sky. Spread a picnic blanket, bring a delicious snack or meal, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

3. Enjoy a moonlit adventure. I know local parks and gardens in my area offer a variety of full moon options. There’s a full moon kayak at a nearby park and a full moon hike at a nearby garden. Find an adventure that suits you, and save the date for yourself!

4. Enjoy a little art and culture by attending a night out at your local museum or aquarium. In Atlanta, there are jazz nights at an art museum, live music nights at the aquarium, and even a martini night at the science museum. Wherever you live, there are often evening events for adults at local attractions. You don’t need a significant other to go out and enjoy a little live music and wonderful art.

5. Treat yourself to the holiday of your dreams. Don’t wait for a partner to give you the holiday you’ve always imagined. For Valentine’s Day, send yourself flowers, purchase the box of chocolates you love, or book a spa treatment. For Christmas or other winter holidays, go for a drive to see holiday lights, and end the evening with warm spiced apple cider or hot chocolate by a roaring fire—perhaps at a local coffee shop or restaurant, or simply in your own home. Whatever the holiday, find a way to give yourself a date night to remember. After all, your life doesn’t start when you’ve met your forever person; it’s going on right now.

6. Go see a play or movie you’ve been wanting to see. Buy that ticket for one and treat yourself to a drink, popcorn, and sweet treat.

7. Make it a fun and casual date night by playing mini golf, racing go karts, hitting the batting cages, bowling, or even rollerskating. These can be as fun for one as easily as for two. Don’t worry about feeling self-conscious. Just go and enjoy a night out. State fairs and local carnivals are another fun, casual date night outing to experience.

8. Take a spontaneous road trip to a place you’ve never been. Pick a point of interest on a map in a reasonable driving distance and just go exploring. See something new. Take pictures of yourself at notable sights. You can even post travel pictures and ask friends online to guess where you are and where you’re going.

9. Take yourself on a breakfast date. Go out for coffee and a pile of pancakes or whatever breakfast you love. Enjoy the time to yourself. Perhaps take a favorite book or magazine (careful with that syrup) to enjoy over a leisurely breakfast. Not an early morning riser? Head to an all-day breakfast locale or make your outing into brunch instead.

10. Take a carriage ride at a scenic location. Enjoy a ride for one and tour a beautiful destination. Sit back and enjoy the ride and look for other places to explore along the way.

There are so many ways to enjoy the single life and to make a day or evening out special. There’s no need to wait for anyone else. However you choose to date yourself, just remember to keep it special—and have fun with it. Dating yourself may not be what you had in mind when you started your single journey, but there’s no reason not to go out and show yourself a great time.

~

Relephant:

You Don’t Need a Man: 30 Inspiring Self-Date Ideas.

Date your own, Goddamned, Beautiful Self.

~

Author: Crystal Jackson
Image: Unsplash/Jan Phoenix; Flickr/simpleinsomnia
Editor: Yoli Ramazzina
Copy Editor: Leah Sugerman
Social Editor: Nicole Cameron