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Today: February 19, 2025
Today: February 19, 2025

Solo Dating Emerges as New Wellness Movement

Solo Dating Emerges as New Wellness Movement
February 04, 2025
Sirisha Dinavahi - LA Post

In a world increasingly focused on self-care, solo dating has emerged as a new trend that invites individuals to prioritize their own company and well-being, according to a recent report in Glamour magazine.

The growing movement encourages people to take themselves on dates — whether it's going to a movie, dining out or even attending a music festival — without waiting for a partner or friend to join them.

Solo dating, also known as self-dating, emphasizes independence and self-love. It promotes the idea that one doesn't need a romantic partner to experience joy, fun or meaningful activities. While it may seem unconventional to some, many believe it can significantly benefit mental health and personal growth. The practice has sparked attention on social media platforms such as TikTok and Reddit, where users share their solo experiences and inspire others to do the same.

Jenna Brownfield, a Minneapolis-based psychologist, told Glamour that solo dating is a way for individuals to "get to know yourself and deepen the relationship with yourself." The concept revolves around treating oneself as one might treat a romantic partner — dedicating time and attention to enjoyable and fulfilling activities.

"It might include treating yourself like you would treat someone you're dating: spending undistracted attention on yourself, being curious about yourself, planning fun activities, or going to enjoyable restaurants or coffee shops," Brownfield said.

According to Roxy Zarrabi, a clinical psychologist specializing in self-esteem, solo dating allows people to break free from the pressure of modern dating. She noted in her Glamour interview that many individuals, particularly those burned out by dating apps, are opting for a break from romantic pursuits to focus on their own needs.

"People are recognizing the importance of investing in their relationship with themselves and trying activities they want to experience instead of putting them on hold while waiting for a partner to join them," Zarrabi told Glamour. "Additionally, it's easy to become burnt out with modern dating, and many people are taking breaks from dating apps because they notice how it's affecting their mood and want to spend time more intentionally."

The appeal of solo dating lies in its potential to foster self-compassion and confidence. By engaging in activities alone, individuals confront their desires, preferences and sometimes their insecurities. "Solo dating can force us to get real again; we are not an image or a persona. 'Who the hell am I? I am going to take myself to dinner and find out!'" Lynn Zakeri, a New York-based therapist, told Glamour.

Zakeri emphasized to Glamour that many individuals who typically seek validation from others can benefit from solo dating by developing internal validation and cultivating a more positive relationship with themselves.

For those who have struggled with self-esteem or negative self-image, solo dating can serve as a way to rediscover their worth and develop a deeper sense of self-love.

"Some LGBTQ+ people have to learn to love themselves despite living in a society that can teach them they are unlovable," Brownfield told Glamour. "Solo dating, therapy and affirming relationships are all ways to help them dismantle any internalized homophobia and build self-love."

The rise of solo dating has been partly fueled by social media platforms, where content creators and users share their experiences. Hashtags such as "#soloDating" and "#DateYourself" have accumulated millions of views, prompting many to explore the practice for themselves. The trend is part of a larger movement toward prioritizing mental health, self-care and personal empowerment.

Solo dating is not limited to young, single individuals. People of various ages and relationship statuses are adopting this practice, finding it to be a valuable form of self-care. For some, it allows for deeper introspection and personal growth. For others, it provides a much-needed break from the demands of relationships or social expectations.

Anna Moeslein, deputy editor at Glamour, advocates solo dating, having practiced it for years. "I'm an only child, so I've basically been taking myself on solo dates my whole life," she said. "I think I need to recharge my social battery more than most, so it's a way for me to get out without draining myself energetically."

Moeslein shared with Glamour that her husband once gave her some alone time as a gift. "For Valentine's Day, my husband actually paid for me to have a staycation while he watched our infant twins at home. I sat at a bar alone and ate steak, drank wine and read the latest Sarah J. Maas book. It was the most romantic thing he could have done for me."

Even those in committed relationships are embracing solo dating as a way to enhance their well-being. Helen G., a 40-year-old HR manager in Brooklyn, told Glamour she has been in a long-term relationship but continues to make time for solo dates. "I take myself out on amazing dates, and they don't take away from the wonderful dates I have with my partner. I've done it since I was in my 20s, and it's never felt weird to me," she said.

Helen continued to note that solo dating helps her avoid resentment in her relationship, allowing her to pursue activities that her partner may not be interested in. "Not only is it a deep form of self-care, but I'm not resentful at my partner for keeping me away from all the things I want to do. I think so many people think you have to compromise when another person is involved, but she loves me the way I am and she knows that includes my solo dates and solo trips!"

For many, solo dating has become a way to raise their standards, particularly in romantic relationships. Ces Heredia, a 31-year-old freelance writer from Mexico, shared with Glamour how solo dating has influenced her approach to dating. "I treat myself really well, so that's my standard now," she said. "Anyone who can't or won't meet that can kindly move along."

The trend also promotes the idea that one doesn't need a partner to experience fulfillment. Elsa Cavazos, a 28-year-old freelance writer in California, emphasized to Glamour that people should not wait for others to do things with them. "I hate when I want to do something and then I don't do it because I don't have any company," Cavazos said. "I realized I don't need to do things with other people in order to do them."

Cavazos, who has attended music festivals and concerts alone, believes that learning to enjoy one's own company is an essential skill. "It's really healthy to learn how to enjoy your own company," she told Glamour. "If you don't like to be with yourself, then why would other people want to be with you?"

While solo dating offers numerous benefits, it may not appeal to everyone. For some, the idea of spending time alone may feel uncomfortable or isolating. However, experts interviewed by Glamour argue that the practice is about finding joy in one's own presence, rather than avoiding others. For those willing to try it, solo dating can offer a powerful reminder that happiness doesn't depend on external factors and that investing in oneself is as important as investing in any other relationship.

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