For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term; "Masterdating" is when you participate in "traditional" date activities alone, whether that be going to the movies or a restaurant. So essentially, you date yourself. For many the idea of going out into public to participate in what is normally considered to be social activities is an uncomfortable concept.

So much of how we move through the world as individuals is based on how we interact with other people. When I can't find anyone to go grab a bite to eat, I order take out. If no one is available to go to a movie, I stay in and watch Netflix. It was this past week that I had a revelation of the cycle of dependency I have on other people in terms of how I live my life. When plans fell through and I found myself with two concert tickets and no companion my initial reaction was to scramble. I found myself asking every friend I could think of, but I still came up empty handed. So I found myself faced with two choices go alone or not at all.

Unable to justify wasting the money I'd spent on the ticket and missing out on seeing a band I love, the choice was clear. As I was making the hour drive to the concert venue I found myself giving pep talks in my head. "You're a strong independent woman! This is going to be great!" ..."But people are going to look at you weird. Who goes to a concert alone?"... "Me dammit!" and so went the internal dialogue for the entirety of the drive.

I had such mixed emotions about going that I wavered between unbridled excitement to making up an excuse and going home. But I forged on, and found all of my expectations blown out of the water. From the minute I got in line to when I was shuffling toward the exit, I was transformed. Suddenly I found myself talking to people I would not normally have even noticed, making friends throughout the crowd. I was shocked, "Who was this social butterfly? This isn't me. I'm a socially awkward introvert. What is happening?"

What happened was that when forced to do something on my own I had to come out of my shell. I came to the realization that the amount of fun I was going to have was completely reliant upon the attitude and effort I put forward. It was an empowering experience to realize that I am capable of experiencing joy just by being.

Throughout the week I periodically masterdated, going to the movies, having a sit down dinner alone. Each time, I was surprised again by the outcome of my experiences. I was shocked at how fulfilling it was to simply sit in a theater with a bag of popcorn and just be alone. The interactions I had with the waitstaff and people at neighboring tables when I was having dinner was engaging and astounding. I finished this week with a feeling of awe. Awe toward the people I met and their openness for new interactions and connections. But most importantly I learned how to appreciate myself on a whole new level. This was a reminder to myself that I am awesome, and that I am worthy of existing independently. Now I urge you to set aside some time and give masterdating a try. In the wise words of Parks and Recreation's Tom and Donna go "Treat yo self!".