2/16/2021 2 Comments The Concept of Dating YourselfI hope everyone had a fabulous Valentine’s Day! Because love is in the air, a post about dating seemed fitting. I am not talking about the type of dating where you find a boyfriend or girlfriend, however. I am talking about dating yourself. You may be wondering what in the world I am talking about. Dating yourself? That is not something discussed frequently, but I think it is something important to think about.
The concept of dating yourself was first introduced to me in an episode of Victoria Garrick’s podcast, Real Rod (if you are looking for a real and raw podcast, I definitely recommend you give this one a try). After I listened to the episode, I really thought about everything that was mentioned. I occasionally talk about wanting a boyfriend, dates are cute, it is fun buying things for a loved one, and it would be exciting to live a movie-type romance in real life. While all of these things are special, why is it not often that we show this type of love and attention to ourselves? I continued to think about this topic, and I realized that, yes, I exercise and watch my favorite TV shows as forms of self-care, but I do not always give myself the love and attention that I would give someone in a romantic relationship. I decided I want to change that. Each and every one of us deserves love, from both ourselves and others. So, what does dating yourself entail? I think the concept of dating yourself is what you make of it. I would like to start buying myself little presents every now and then. I am someone who does not like spending money often, but I think buying a little gift occasionally is deserved and sweet. After all, if I had a boyfriend, I would buy him gifts from time to time. Another thing I can do is take myself out to dinner. I often do not like going out alone, but getting comfortable with myself and having “me time” can be important. Going out for a little treat is a nice way to relax, think, and enjoy my own company. I would also like to get dressed up nice every once in a while. Sweatpants and sweatshirts have become my uniform during quarantine, but, on occasion when I put on heels and makeup, I feel like a queen. I do not want to get all fancy often, however, unless there is a certain event I have to attend, but I always end up feeling great when I get dressed up. Doing this once in a while just for myself, and feeling good for me, is fun. One last thing that comes to mind is that I should treat myself and speak to myself the way I would treat a boyfriend. Let’s play pretend for a second because I am currently in the “single pringle squad.” If my boyfriend was having a bad or stressful day, I would tell him to take a break and relax. Then, if I am having a bad or stressful day, I should follow my own advice and relax. Similarly, if my boyfriend told me that he felt ugly, I would of course respond and say that he is not ugly and that beauty shines from within. On a day where I am not feeling pretty, I should tell myself that I am beautiful and that beauty comes from within. Just like people are supportive and kind to their significant others, we should be supportive and kind to ourselves. Your version of dating yourself may look a little different than mine, but I think a new focus on ourselves can be beneficial. In addition to just pure enjoyment, all these acts of love and affection for ourselves can help us realize all the love and affection we deserve. The next time a romantic relationship presents itself, you know your personal passions and that you can love yourself without a significant other. You will also be able to have a firm understanding of how you should be treated in that relationship - with respect and unconditional love. If you encounter anything less, you know it is not the relationship for you. There is nothing wrong with having a significant other, of course (I think it is quite fun, in fact), but loving yourself independently is needed before giving all that love to someone else as well. What are your thoughts on this? Have you heard of the concept of dating yourself before? Let me know in the comments. I hope you showed yourself some love this past Valentine’s Day and always.
2 Comments
Zoe B
2/16/2021 04:38:12 pm
I had not heard of this before but I LOVE this concept!!! Thank you for sharing <3
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Real and Relatable (Madeleine)
2/16/2021 09:33:58 pm
I am so glad you loved it! Yes! The concept was new to me too until a month ago or so, but I just kept thinking about it and knew it was a topic I wanted to write about on the blog. :)
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AuthorLover of adventures, traveling, family time, fashion, soccer, writing, and more, Madeleine is giving you all the real and relatable content you have been looking for. Archives
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