If you're ever experiencing a season of loneliness, the best advice I ever received is to take the time to date yourself. At first, this advice sounded very selfish to me, but I later realized that it was a healthier option than feeling lonely all the time.
Do you know the saying "Alone, but never lonely"? I always heard this, and I understood what it meant, but I understand it even more now that I've felt it. If you're going through the same feelings, here are some ways you can date yourself.
1. Start by taking care of your hair, skin, nails, etc.
This is a great step in boosting your self-confidence! Wash and moisturize your face, treat your hair with a hair mask, give yourself a manicure, start an exercise routine, plan some healthy meals! This will consume the time that you have to wallow in loneliness, and will help you to start actually feeling better!
2. Spend time on your talents.
Haven't written anything lately? Haven't picked up your guitar in a while? Haven't drawn or painted anything recently? Whatever your talent is, focus on it for a while. Work on your talent, build up skill.
3. Literally plan a date with yourself.
Instead of just going to bed and mindlessly turning on whatever Netflix show you've been binge-watching, actually plan a date with yourself. Instead of jsut turning on Netflix, how about you make some snacks like popcorn or cake in a mug, put on a face mask, slip into your cutest pajamas, make a pillow fort or a comfy place to watch, and then sit down and get around to watching that movie everyone's talking about. You'll feel a lot better when you actually plan instead of just browsing or rewatching the same shows.
4. Go do something by yourself that you'd normally do with someone else.
Try shopping by yourself, or going to lunch in the city, or going to the movies! Think of something that you'd usually do with someone and just try doing it by yourself. You'll see how good it feels sometimes to be alone with your thoughts.
5. Recognize your worth.
If the loneliness you're feeling stretches beyond more than just being bored, or being alone, and it stretches to issues of self-esteem, then it is time to reevaluate. It's important to look at everything in your life and everything that you've done and still say "I am valuable". Relationships are important, but seeing your value is just as important.
