Since I moved out last summer, one of the things I’ve wanted to do (besides changing the lights in my main bathroom) is go on a solo date.
When I was younger—like high school age—I didn’t like going places by myself because I either thought I’d get taken (a consequence of watching a lot of crime shows) or that other people would judge me for being alone. It took a while but I think I got over those fears, and now that I live alone, I’ve gotten more comfortable going places myself (I mean, I go grocery shopping every Saturday morning by myself).
My Fridays off from work are coming to an end soon (😔) so I wanted to take advantage of one of them. I decided to go to a local brewery and bring a book with me to read. I had to find one that was open early enough in the day since I wanted to be there around 2:00 p.m. and the first few I looked at didn’t open until 3:00 or 4:00 p.m.
I did find one that I had been to a few times pre-pandemic and hadn’t been back since, and I knew they had outdoor seating, so Friday afternoon after lunch, I got ready and packed up for my solo date.
Please ignore how streaky my mirror is, but this is what I wore. I’m still obsessed with these shorts I got from Target back in March. My shirt is from Old Navy, and my sandals are old knock-off Birks I got from DSW back in college. Plus I brought along my little backpack I originally bought for my trips this summer. I’ve been using it other times when I go places, and I’m really glad I got it.
I went to Connecticut Valley Brewing, which wasn’t super busy on a Friday afternoon but there was a good amount of people there, especially outside on the patios.
I got a pineapple mango spiked smoothie (I’d consider it a cousin of a milkshake IPA) and sat outside with my book at one of the picnic tables with an umbrella.
This was my first time doing something like this, and I actually felt really comfortable being there alone and just reading. I don’t think I’m ready to go out to eat by myself, but having a beer and reading a book seems more my speed. There were a few groups of people outside but also some other people there by themselves.
I was there for about two hours and ended up reading half of the book (it ended up being a 3-star read for me but also my 50th book of the year(!!!)—which was my goal for the entire year). The weather finally wasn’t terribly humid, so it was nice to sit outside for the first time in a while.
Now that I’ve done this once, I want to do it once a month. Typically Saturdays are my day to myself, so I could find local breweries or even wineries to go to for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. It’s a way to get out of the house for a little while and also support local places. And maybe over time I’ll become more comfortable being by myself out in public.
Do you go on solo dates or do things by yourself?
Strikeouts + Sprinkles 
Yes, cute shorts but I think all the strings on the hem would tickle. I have gone on a couple of solo dates but I call them artist dates. It is fun and good for you for adventuring out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sometimes have to trim the strings after I wash the shorts but they’re not too bad. It’s definitely a different experience for me to be out on my own but I’m starting to really enjoy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! I pretty much prefer solo for everything, now. I used to be the other way. However, I do like good, honest conversation and can chat up anyone, anywhere. It’s a long story and complex.
Good for you! cheers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been doing this for the last weeks. I recently moved to a new country and going out alone on such little dates with myself has become my favourite thing to do. The next thing on my list is to go on a solo trip – which I will hopefully go on soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s really great, and you’re able to get out and explore your new city! I don’t think I could ever do a solo trip haha, it’s going to be baby steps for me.
LikeLike
After graduating from university I definitely felt more comfortable with going to restaurants (fast food place) by myself and eating alone at a table. It’s one thing I’ve missed doing since the pandemic. Looking back, I wish I went places on my own a bit more as a student, specifically the local mall which had the best philly cheesesteak sandwiches. But everything back then was always about getting a friend, or a group of people to go, and that didn’t always materialize.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I always felt weird doing things on my own in college. Toward the end of my senior year, I did go to the dining hall for dinner by myself a few times, especially toward the end of the semester when I had a lot of work to do. I’d sit in the back dining hall which wasn’t as busy.
LikeLike
I started to go places like restaurants by myself when I lived in South Korea and now sometimes I even prefer it. This Saturday I will be driving to a different city to take in a military tattoo concert at their fort, and going alone. I’m really excited!
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] been able to do a lot this month, like go to the beach again, go to Brew at the Zoo, take myself on a solo date, go to my first Hartford Yard Goats game of the season, go to the Springfield Museums, and go back […]
LikeLike
[…] took myself on my first solo date to a brewery to […]
LikeLike