Blissful Solo Experiences
Since the dissolution of my connection with Dating Guy, I am squarely back in my single era. This is not new territory for me - maybe it’s better to say that having a connection is the unusual state. As I’ve gotten older, I have gotten very close to perfecting a simple, solo life.
Many people - especially those who have spent most of their lives in relationships - have a hard time imagining what is so great about single life. I will proudly defend its honor, because living alone and being unfettered is a truly delightful way to live.
As I’ve reaquainted myself with the benefits of solo living, it has increasingly struck me that there are some incredible experiences that one can only have while single or alone. So what follows is my (brief) list, meant to assure those of you who aren’t in a relationship that you have myriad opportunities for enjoyment at your fingertips:
Getting high and reading poetry in a bubble bath
Having a solo dance party at sunset to disco music, a cookie is your dance partner
Naked night with a freshly roasted chicken
Sunday evening movie at the indie theater - the weirder, the better
Star fishing in bed and sleeping in any morning
Fresh PJs, a new stupid phone game, and rewatching a low-stakes British comfort classic
Cooking dinner at a leisurely pace, knowing no one is expecting it to be done
Taking an autumn leaf-crunching walk while listening to a new artist’s music
Getting a spur-of-the-moment tattoo and taking yourself out after
Solo raving - dance all night, in the space you want to dance in, without input or argument from anyone (and go home when you want to!)
Reading a book while having the omakase at a sushi counter
Enjoying the silent beauty of a moonlit night or a stunning fall sunset
A trip to the art store and a celebrity sighting (mine was running into Ethan Hawke while carrying a giant roll of tracing paper)
Finishing a new hobby project that you’re really proud of
Late night, weeknight comedy show - because no one is keeping track of your bedtime
This is no definitive list - just the ideas I’ve collected in the last couple weeks. I forgot how much I like to captain my own ship, take account of my own time without repercussion or reprimand from anyone. I hope it also serves as a reminder to everyone, both coupled and not, that solo time is time well spent.
