via Positively Present
I have to give props to my little sis (hi Jerri!) for this blog post idea. She's 25, newly married, and livin' the big city life while moving towards her dreams of being a hair beauitifier. Since she's got it going on and Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I asked her what kind of self-love blog post she'd like to see. The result: a hot date cheat sheet...for yourself! Even if you're in a relationship, you can pencil in some "me time" and take yourself out (or stay in) for some self-lovin.
Set a Date
It's too easy to say you're going to take yourself out, then make excuses. When you set an actual date and write it on your calendar. you're making a commitment. You're saying, I'm worth this and it's going to happen. If you need to, let your partner/mother/kids know what's going on ahead of time so they know what to expect.
Get Dolled Up
You're taking yourself on a date here, so look and feel your best, whatever that means for you. Take a soothing bath with salts and candles. Curl your hair and spritz on perfume. Slip on stilettos or sandals. Doesn't matter, as long as you feel like a million bucks.
Buy Yourself Flowers
It's always nice to receive a little gift here and there from the one's we love, so why not give it to yourself? Show yourself some love with a bunch of daisies, gourmet chocolate, or the book you've been wanting.
Set a Date
It's too easy to say you're going to take yourself out, then make excuses. When you set an actual date and write it on your calendar. you're making a commitment. You're saying, I'm worth this and it's going to happen. If you need to, let your partner/mother/kids know what's going on ahead of time so they know what to expect.
Get Dolled Up
You're taking yourself on a date here, so look and feel your best, whatever that means for you. Take a soothing bath with salts and candles. Curl your hair and spritz on perfume. Slip on stilettos or sandals. Doesn't matter, as long as you feel like a million bucks.
Buy Yourself Flowers
It's always nice to receive a little gift here and there from the one's we love, so why not give it to yourself? Show yourself some love with a bunch of daisies, gourmet chocolate, or the book you've been wanting.
Wine and Dine or Casual Night In?
There are sooo many options on what to do and where to take yourself on a date. Art museum, midnight flick, painting class, afternoon at the beach. You could even treat yourself to a resort (bar, pool, massages, room service), book a boudoir photo shoot, or stay in with a bottle of wine and a home-cooked meal. Pick something you've been dying to do or learn or treat yourself to.
Turn off Your Phone
Does it annoy you when you're out with others and they keep checking their phones? Don't do it to yourself! I know, being alone somewhere can be kind of frightening and awkward if you're not used to it, but you can browse Facebook on your phone/tablet/computer when you're at home. Why bother taking yourself out if you're going to do the same thing you'd do on a typical Monday night?
If you absolutely must have a distraction, bring a book or a journal. You could even tie it into your date plans by packing a picnic basket, sitting beneath a shade tree, and catching up on your to-read list/getting to know yourself with some deep writing.
The point is to enjoy yourself and the moment, not mindlessly play round after round of Candy Crush.
Forget About "The Others"
The others being all the other people you feel are staring at you and feeling pity because you're alone. Reality check: most people don't have a clue what's going on with you. And if they do, who cares?! As the saying goes, being alone doesn't mean being lonely. Just remember, you're on a hot date with yourself to hang out and enjoy your own company. Besides being a total self-love move, it's nice to get away from it all for awhile and think about you and you only.
There are sooo many options on what to do and where to take yourself on a date. Art museum, midnight flick, painting class, afternoon at the beach. You could even treat yourself to a resort (bar, pool, massages, room service), book a boudoir photo shoot, or stay in with a bottle of wine and a home-cooked meal. Pick something you've been dying to do or learn or treat yourself to.
Turn off Your Phone
Does it annoy you when you're out with others and they keep checking their phones? Don't do it to yourself! I know, being alone somewhere can be kind of frightening and awkward if you're not used to it, but you can browse Facebook on your phone/tablet/computer when you're at home. Why bother taking yourself out if you're going to do the same thing you'd do on a typical Monday night?
If you absolutely must have a distraction, bring a book or a journal. You could even tie it into your date plans by packing a picnic basket, sitting beneath a shade tree, and catching up on your to-read list/getting to know yourself with some deep writing.
The point is to enjoy yourself and the moment, not mindlessly play round after round of Candy Crush.
Forget About "The Others"
The others being all the other people you feel are staring at you and feeling pity because you're alone. Reality check: most people don't have a clue what's going on with you. And if they do, who cares?! As the saying goes, being alone doesn't mean being lonely. Just remember, you're on a hot date with yourself to hang out and enjoy your own company. Besides being a total self-love move, it's nice to get away from it all for awhile and think about you and you only.
