You know that awkward feeling when you’re sitting in a café alone, scrolling through Instagram just so people don’t think you’re that person who got stood up? Been there. Done that. Ordered fries to make myself feel less alone. 😂
But here’s the thing: solo dating is actually one of the most liberating, confidence-boosting, downright cool things you can do for yourself. When I first tried it, I felt like everyone in the restaurant was staring at me (spoiler: they weren’t, they were too busy enjoying their butter naan). Slowly though, I realized how empowering it is to take yourself out on a date without needing anyone else’s company.
Especially, in a place like India if you see a woman alone on a long distance holiday or alone at a pub or restaurant or even at a movie, there would be eyes on her from people around. They would either feel sad for her or some women would secretly be empowered by looking at a fellow woman being comfortably solo.
If you’re curious about trying this out (and you should), but don’t know where to start, here are my 8 best tips for rocking the solo date life—straight from someone who’s even once sat alone in an empty theatre, to watch a movie feeling like she owned the whole theatre to herself 😉
1. Start Small (Baby Steps, My Friend)
Don’t pressure yourself into a three-course candlelit dinner for your first solo date. That’s like running a marathon when you haven’t even bought sneakers yet.
When I began, my first “date” I think it started taking myself to the movies. Honestly, this came easy to me. Some people like company while watching a movie, however, I don’t like to be disturbed. When someone whispers something in my ear while watching a movie and I miss out on some dialogue in the movie, I don’t like that feeling.
So, choosing to do this activity on my own, was a convenient decision for me. Similarly, if there is something that you rather do alone, do it solo and make it feel like you were on a date with yourself (which it is). It could be a long drive listening to your favourite music or going on a solo trip and travelling by your own rules.
2. Dress for You
Here’s the fun part—dress up as if you’re meeting your crush, except the crush is you. When I wore my favorite red kurti on my solo brunch day, I swear I got more compliments from myself than I’ve ever gotten on Bumble.
Wearing what makes you feel good shifts the entire vibe. You walk in with confidence, and confidence is basically perfume that everyone notices.
3. Pick a Place The Right Event
One mistake I made early on: I paid stag fees and went to a club alone on New Year’s Eve. Now this is an event where 99% arrive with a date or a partner. Since, they at least need someone to kiss when the clock strikes 12, it becomes a bad choice of event to go solo dating on.
Now I pick spots that vibe with my mood, and events where I am not going to be surrounded exclusively by couples. It could be a quirky cafe when I want to read, a lively food court when I want people-watching, or even a movie alone when I feel like escaping into another world.
Think of it this way: if you were planning a date for someone you love, you’d choose thoughtfully, right? Well… guess who deserves the same? YOU.
4. Keep Your Phone Away (Okay, At Least Try)
Now don’t worry, this is not a hard and fast rule. The temptation to scroll endlessly is real. I used to clutch my phone like it was my safety blanket. But honestly? When I finally kept it away, I noticed the soft music in the café, the clinking of cups, the quirky art on the walls.
Try this: Give yourself 15 minutes of “no phone” time during your solo date. Just sit with yourself. It’s awkward at first, but then it feels… freeing. Like meeting yourself again.
5. Order What You Want (No Sharing Required 😎)
One major perk of solo dating: you don’t have to politely split starters. I remember ordering garlic naan and butter naan once because I couldn’t decide. And guess what? Nobody judged me.
Food choices on a solo date can feel like little acts of rebellion. Go wild. Get dessert first. Order two chai. Try that dish your friends always veto. This is your playground.
6. Bring a Little Comfort Anchor
Confession: I once carried a novel with me just so I didn’t feel “lonely.” And honestly, it helped. Some people carry journals, sketchbooks, or even headphones. Having a small comfort anchor takes the pressure off and makes solo time more cozy than intimidating.
So, if you feel nervous, bring that one thing that makes you feel safe. Trust me, even influencers sneakily check their books between coffee sips.
7. Talk to Strangers (Optional, But Fun)
Solo dates can sometimes feel isolating, but they’re also great opportunities to spark random conversations. In my solo trip, I have shared my experiences with a fellow traveller. It was fun and informative.
No pressure—don’t force it. But if the chance comes, lean in. A compliment, a smile, or just asking the waiter what they recommend can make the experience more vibrant.
8. End With a Ritual
Here’s my favorite part: I always end my solo date with a tiny ritual. Sometimes it’s jotting down one thing I enjoyed, sometimes it’s buying myself a cupcake, sometimes it’s just a peaceful walk home.
It’s like giving a warm hug to yourself after the date. Think of it as closure—except instead of ghosting, you’re celebrating.
Solo dating isn’t about proving you’re independent or trying to look “cool.” It’s about reconnecting with yourself in a world that constantly demands company. The more you date yourself, the more you learn about your quirks, your desires, your boundaries.
So next time you see someone sipping coffee alone at a corner table, don’t feel bad for them. Chances are, they’re on the best date of their life—with themselves.
And hey, if you’ve been nervous about trying it… consider this your little nudge: book that table, wear your favorite outfit, and take yourself out. Worst case? You get good food. Best case? You fall a little bit in love with yourself. 💛