“Table for one, please.” 

The thought of being alone feels a little scary. We’re so used to having company that doing things alone can sometimes feel anxious, as we are unaccustomed to it. 

But what is it really like to be alone? 

Maybe it is not as scary as we think. Maybe this uncertainty is a chance to move at our own pace, enjoy our own company, pamper ourselves, learn new things, and appreciate the little moments we usually overlook. To appreciate our life.

So, craft your own movie—your art—where you are the main character. Unfold the chapters of your life and romanticize every moment of it. Your life. With no one else involved.

To begin with, here are 10 solo dates to take yourself on: 

1. Cafe

Being at a cafe is one of the most therapeutic things to do alone. You get to enjoy your own company while sipping your favorite drink and savoring a pastry along with it. 

There are several things you can do in a cafe. You can write in your journal, read a book, study, listen to music, or simply sit and enjoy the surroundings. Sometimes, doing nothing and just being there is already comforting. 

2. Museum

You can also appreciate the beauty of art in a museum. Take your time looking at the artworks and immerse yourself in their meanings, stories, and history. 

There are also free museums you can visit in Manila, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Natural History, and National Museum of Anthropology. 

3. Photobooth 

Yes, a photobooth is not limited to groups. 

You can also do it alone. Take yourself a nice picture, try different poses, make funny faces, and keep the photos as a memory of your day. You can also act like a model, since you are alone. And it’s fun.

4. Bookstore Trip 

Give your eyes a break from the screen and spend time browsing through books. 

Walk around the shelves, read a few pages, and look for a book that catches your attention. Maybe you will leave with a new book. And if you do not buy anything, that is okay. The goal is to enjoy being surrounded by books.

5. Dining at Your Favorite Restaurant 

“Table for one, please.” 

You can dine alone and savor your favorite food. Instead of worrying about eating alone, enjoy the food, the place, and your own company. 

You deserve to enjoy a good meal, even when there is no one sitting across from or beside you.

6. Self-Care 

Invest in yourself, too. 

Get a massage to relax and relieve your stress. Get a manicure and pedicure, go to the gym, or simply spend time taking care of yourself. 

Self-care is not always about looking good. Sometimes, it is about giving yourself the rest and attention you have been needing. 

7. Strolling 

Morning. Afternoon. Evening. 

You can stroll by yourself and walk slowly to unwind. Embrace the wind while looking at the scenery around you. 

You do not always need a destination. Sometimes, a simple walk is enough to clear your mind and appreciate your surroundings. 

8. Shopping, Thrifting or Grocery Run

Treat yourself to something nice. Buy something you’ve been eyeing, something you need or even your groceries. 

Or, explore a thrift store, go window shopping, and enjoy browsing the shops. 

It’s fun to shop at your own pace.

9. Solo Reset 

You can also do a reset by cleaning your room and organizing your things. 

Change your bedsheets, clean your desk, rearrange your belongings, or throw away things you no longer need. Put on your favorite playlist while doing it. 

Sometimes, cleaning your space can also help clear your mind. 

10. Documentation 

Lastly, document your life. Write in a journal, create a video diary, take pictures, or make a scrapbook. 

Documenting these little moments lets you look back and remember how you spent your time, what you enjoyed and who you were at that moment. 

So, it’s time to take yourself out on a solo date. Fall in love with the art of your own company. Your life. 

Sometimes, you just have to do it scared. 

And after saying, “Table for one, please,” you might just realize how comforting and beautiful these words can be.