Follow us. A few years ago, during a transition between jobsI decided to go dating my first and, so far, only solo holiday. Alone spent a long, very relaxing, alone in Venice, reading in cafes, visiting exhibitions, and wandering around the city listening to music. Then, when I came home, I felt imbued with a newfound confidence to do other things alone, too. The more I did it, the more self-assured and in touch with myself I became.
And, yes, I know this all sounds very smug, but whatever! Now this concept of solo dating is taking off on TikTok. The solodate hashtag currently has over million views, with each video waxing lyrical about the benefits of dating yourself out. The videos tend to follow the same pattern — the poster takes us with them on their solo day out, filming their visit to the cinema, a market, an exhibition, a library, or out for dinner.
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Dixon believes solo dates are a reaction to the rise of TikTok therapy and renewed online interest in attachment theory.
Spending time alone — and thus feeling more comfortable by themselves — is a good starting point to achieve this. During all of these times, Kaur avoids her phone.
Afterwards, I always feel very happy, loved, and spoiled. When you look at dating solodate hashtag on TikTok, most of the videos are shared by women, who have also been at the forefront of the self-care movement more broadly.
For year-old Steven Mckell alone, who recently moved to Lincoln, his biweekly solo dates have worked as great motivation to explore a new city. The dates have an added benefit for Mckell, who says he sometimes struggles being around other people. Solo dates allow you to make an effort for yourself and your own happiness and mental health.
More from GQ
This focus on investment in the self is a sea change from putting all our stock in romantic relationships, which has historically been encouraged by the media and society more broadly. Self-love is difficult to master, and will likely require work beyond a regularly-scheduled solo date — but learning to enjoy your own company and indulge yourself in the occasional hedonistic day will at least set you on the right path.
And, even if you don't quite love yourself at the end, at least you can gloat about having done it. Andy Serkis in the flesh. All the easter eggs you may have missed so far in The Last of Us. A new Lord of continue reading Rings film reboot is on the way.
TikTok content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. More from GQ. Keywords Dating. The best zone 2 workouts, according to several leading PTs. By Tom Ward. How to actually burn off belly fat — and why it matters. Not all body fat is created equal. By Dean Stattmann. By Josiah Gogarty.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
Get to grips with your strength — because grip strength really matters. From lifting weights to climbing, solid grip strength dating the underlooked MVP in your daily wellness arsenal. Here's our expert guide on how to build yours. Nectar's Premier Mattress is six layers of sleep-inducing bliss. We dug into why it's one of the best mattresses on the market. By Jack King.
Solo Dating: How To Embrace Me Time & Why It Could Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
Technogym founder Nerio Alessandri loves wellness and learn more here chairs. The top dog of the hi-tech gym equipment firm explains his decades-long Olympic collaboration, why wellness beats fitness, and how to take calls on the treadmill. How to get stronger with old-school callisthenics. Simple body-weight alone will improve just about any workout routine. Bulked up, slimmed down, and looking to maintain your gains?