10 Things I’d Rather Do Than Go Out On Another Date

I’m actually at a place where I feel like enough is enough. I don’t want to give up looking for The One, but dating often feels like it’s not the way to get me there. I know it sounds crazy, but perhaps I should just focus on myself and trust that my love life will work itself out one way or the other instead of going out on another crappy date. Here are the 10 things I’d rather do to break this vicious dating cycle:

  1. Hang out with my old friends that I never get to see. We are all busy with our jobs and lives, but it doesn’t make sense to waste another evening with a random stranger when there are real friends I haven’t seen in ages. Catching up with a friend is a great way to take my mind off guys and relationships and distract myself from the emotional disaster that dating has lately brought in my life.
  2. Finally hit the gym. I’d love to work out but I just don’t have the time. The reasons for this are mostly legit, but as of now, dating is NOT a good enough reason not to take care of my body. I value my health, and with spring being just around the corner, I feel like I need to do something to boost my confidence and not harm it any further with hopeless dating.
  3. Declutter my closet. I know it doesn’t sound like much fun, but at least I’ll finally get to throw out a ton of crap that’s been sitting in my closet for God knows how long. Moreover, the process of decluttering right now is much healthier for my emotional well-being than putting myself out there for more guy drama and uncertainty.
  4. Watch a favorite old movie at home. You know what? Tonight I feel like putting my feet up and just chillin’ at home with two of my favorite things: wine and old movies. I really don’t want to think about anything or make an effort for any type of social interaction and I’m perfectly fine with it because I know that I deserve a break from all the BS.
  5. Visit an art gallery. I love modern art but I haven’t been in an art gallery in ages. I’ve forgotten how it feels to be inspired and amazed by new things and broaden my perspective. Spending my evenings enjoying art is one of the amazing perks of being single, which I’d like to enjoy as long as I can. Maybe one day there’ll be a guy to enjoy it with but I’m not holding my breath.
  6. Read a book and regain my focus. I’ve been wanting to start reading a new book for ages but lately, I haven’t been focused enough to give it a try. Dating drama has certainly affected my ability to stay calm and focused. The benefits of reading are enormous, and they include fighting unhealthy stress hormones and focusing on life goals — both things that I could use more of in my life right now.
  7. Catch up on my work. I’d rather do some work tonight from home than leave everything pending for tomorrow morning. There’s nothing worse than waking up in a terrible mood knowing you’re behind on projects, so I’d rather pass on another date night and focus on things that really matter to me and which are more likely to actually get me where I want to be in life.
  8. Window shop ’til I drop. I just feel like going to my favorite store with my BFF and spending two hours there trying on their whole spring collection (and that includes the shoes). We’ll then treat ourselves to manis and pedis and of course wind up with a glass of wine, enjoying mindless banter. Perfection!
  9. Join a photography class. I’ve been wanting to join a photography class ever since I can remember, but to be honest, it hasn’t been a top priority for me. Still, right now I can’t see how going on another date is in any way better than learning something new and being creative. Perhaps after the class, I’ll put my creative skills in practice right away and take some funky pictures of the city at night.
  10. Catch up with my family. I feel like calling home and having a really long Skype chat with my mom. Then, maybe I’ll ask her to talk me through her famous chocolate cookie recipe, give me the neighborhood gossip or tell me one of her childhood stories — I mean, why not? I prefer my parents’ childhood stories than listening to some guy I might never see again babble about his life for two hours. No thanks.
Chrisa is a freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who is obsessed with urban life, big cities, and untold stories.
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