9 Things You Should Do (or at least try) Alone (especially when recently single)

Going from taken to single is not usually the most pleasant of life’s experience but it’s also one that should never stop you from living life and doing what you want to do. Just because you are no longer attached to someone or have a built in activities partner doesn’t mean you should sit in bed with Ben & Jerry everyday (only once in a while.) Here are some of the things that I have actually done as a single girl all by my big girl self and not even with my girlfriends by my side. And guess what!? I have loved each and every one of these things alone and bet you will too. Flying solo allows you to find out a bit more about yourself and experience things in a different light and connect with other people that share an interest in similar activities.

Cooking class. Food unites people and taking a cooking class is great way to mingle with fellow foodies over the shared interest of good food and drinks and educating oneself in the form of cuisine. You learn a thing or two in the kitchen, make friends with others in the group and get to eat a yummy meal.

Reading a book in a coffee shop. You will not be the only one in the local coffee shop hanging out solo, so no need to feel out of place at all here. It’s a great place to read a book, catch up on the news, get some work done and people watch and not feel like a recluse if you were reading in your bed alone. It gets you out and about and who knows maybe an interesting conversation with the barista or another solo book reader. You’re going alone yet in a setting surrounded by others.

Spending the day at the beach. Reading a book and sitting on the beach with a drink and some snacks flying solo is by far one of the most relaxing and meditative settings. Especially when it is early in the morning on a week day for a few hours before the floods of screaming children and flying umbrellas decorate the sand. 

Going to the movies. You want to see that new indie movie all the critics gave two thumbs down to. And you want to go when it is convenient for you and not plan around everyone’s schedules. Then just get up and go. No one is stopping you. You barely talk in the movie theater when you go with friends and it is by far one of the worst group activities in terms of socializing. I can’t think of a more perfect solo trip. Plus no one nudging you to ask what is going to happen next, even though you’ve never see the movie either. We all have that friend (or maybe you are that friend.)

Going to a concert. Like movies, concerts are not the best venue to socialize or have a serious conversation anyway. So a band you love to comes to town and none of your friend have any idea who the heck they, who cares, buy a ticket and go. You’ll bond with the people around you over the music and you’ll be too busy dancing and singing along to care. (Bonus points if anyone knows what concert this is. And yes it is I real photo, I took while at a concert I went to by myself.)

Networking events. It’s an invaluable skill to be able to talk to random people about random and often times boring business topics. This will help you perfect the art of small talk. It’s a great skill to have. And who knows maybe you will meet a cute single guy and the small talk conversation will extend past the forced networking event with passed mini hot dogs and single drink tickets.

Testing out new recipes on yourself. Cooking for one is great because you most likely are going to have leftovers you get to have all to yourself. And no one criticize your meal. Just one set of taste-buds to please. And if it’s a success, you have a great recipe to share at your next dinner party.

Volunteering with a group of young professionals. Don’t hold back from going to events because you may or may not know a soul there. You won’t be the only one there that is a newbie. Whether it be a sorority or fraternity alumni group, Junior League, a young professionals group with Habitat for Humanity or just calling a nonprofit to see if and when they need help, get involved in a local group that gives back. If all else fails you will have done good and given back to the community you are living in while meeting like-minded individuals. And who knows, maybe the next special someone.

Binge watching a TV Show in bed all day. This is totally acceptable. Just don’t make it a habit where Ben & Jerry and an iPad are the only things that ever join you in your bedroom. Everyone needs some R&R and Don Draper in their life.

[Photo credit: Instagram images from Bmoney2790]