I won’t be alone this Valentine’s Day, but Liam travels a lot, so that means I spend many evenings on my own. A girl dinner and time on the couch with a book or a chick flick is satisfying, but I’ve been trying to get more creative with my “me” time. Here are 11 ideas of things to do when you are flying solo at night.
1. Spice up your streaming. This is an opportunity to choose something a little naughty to watch, since it’s private viewing. I just watched Saltburn and wasn’t sure if I was turned on, amused or repelled. It was so unsettling, I had to break it up into two nights. The critics are mixed on that film, and I get it. But I was certainly not bored. There are plenty of other sexy movies to choose from, so why not?
2. Take a walk on the wild side. Walking alone late at night isn’t for me (roaming animals in Florida, sketchy people in Chicago) but getting out at dusk is a bit of a thrill. As the sun goes down, take a stroll in the shadows and appreciate what your neighborhood looks like as darkness falls. (It’s a good time to peek into other people’s windows too!)
3. Bask in beauty. A spa night is the ultimate in self care. Take a long shower or bath, and cleanse, scrub and shave your body to pristine perfection. Then get out all your unused creams, masques and potions and slather yourself up. Deep condition your hair, give yourself a foot massage, put on soothing eye patches. Sip some herbal tea, listen to relaxing music, put a towel on your pillow and lie back and let everything sink in overnight. Ahhh.
4. Shop your closet and try on different combos of clothes to make new outfits. Invent occasions for yourself (tango dancing in Buenos Aires, launching your new novel!) and take photos. For inspiration from women over 50, check out the Instagram accounts of Trinny Woodall or Carla Rockmore. They know how to celebrate life with their outfits!
5. Take a trip down memory lane. Pull out old photo albums, yearbooks or letters and immerse yourself in old times. It’s funny, touching and revealing to go through tangible reminders of your younger self, especially before the internet took over.
6. Do the 12/12/12 Clean up challenge. For more productive-minded chicks, this technique is quick and satisfying: pick up 12 things, throw away 12 things and set aside 12 things to donate. Your home will look immediately better and you’ll feel the satisfaction of accomplishing something. You can also add this to activities #3-5, above, to get rid of old cosmetics, unworn clothing and memorabilia you don’t care about anymore.
7. Table for one. Take yourself out to a swanky restaurant, find a cozy seat and order yourself an appetizer or dessert. Enjoy the atmosphere and people watching for a half an hour, then leave whenever you want.
8. Take a Target run. Set a budget and splurge on non-essentials like candles, books, make-up, greeting cards and sweet snacks. Since Target stays open until 10pm, it’s an easy place to spend a couple hours after dinner. See what Laura and I bought for under $100 when we did a Treat Yourself Challenge three years ago.
9. Stalk (and forgive) an ex or frenemy. Check out their social media photos, job history and political leanings. Revel in how much better your life is than theirs. Then send them mental good wishes and let them go!
10. Do some soul searching. Take out a notebook and write down your ideal life five years from now or everything you’re grateful for. Make a list of all the things in your life you’re ready to let go of, then burn it. Journaling is such a gratifying way to express your hopes and dreams. Get creative—there’s no right way to do it.
11. Phone a friend. If you crave some social interaction, this is a great time to set up a call with a girlfriend. So often we let texts and emails do the heavy lifting in our relationships, but some IRL communication is always so gratifying.
If none of these ideas appeal to you, then do whatever the hell you feel like doing! Bake muffins, sing karaoke, dress your pet in stupid outfits, sext your mate. The point is to enjoy your time alone. If you have other entertaining activities, I’d love to hear them.
Fully Fabulous 