y life with my partner is pretty weird. We live together, work together and travel together. We’re certainly not one of those couples that can’t do anything apart but circumstance has brought us to this weird place in our lives where we spent like 99% of our time within arms distance of each other.
I’m not complaining – I quite like Mr Smaggle. He’s a top bloke. I never need a break from him. Occasionally though, he’ll have to go away for a work trip or he’ll spend the day with a mate of his and I suddenly get this amazing pocket of time and I can spend it any way I like. I freaking love it. He ran some errands with a mate of his on the weekend and I had the whole of Sunday to do whatever I liked. I went for a walk to the markets, I bought veggies to roast for dinner. I crocheted on the couch. I drank tea. I took myself out for lunch. It was splendid. If you happen to find yourself with a spare hour or two, here some lovely things you should totally do alone.
Take yourself out for breakfast
Some people are quite funny about dining alone but I love it. Take a magazine or the paper, order eggs just the way you like them and start your morning with a perfect coffee. It’s just such a civilised and grown up thing to do isn’t it? It always makes me feel like Audrey Hepburn, even if I’m just wearing my gym gear.
Go shopping on a trendy street
You don’t have to buy anything, it’s just lovely to wander in and out of the shops. I live in between Smith and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy but I rarely ever walk down those streets for pleasure. On Sunday, I bought a takeaway coffee and I went to every single one of my favourite shops, the ones I usually speed walk past on my way home from the train station. It was so pleasant and I managed to mentally book mark about half of my Christmas presents for this year. Bonza.
Take a picnic blanket and read a book outside
Honestly, I think it should be mandatory to do this. Especially if you live near a park – pop on your walking shoes, grab a picnic blanket and settle in for an hour or two of total escape. If you’re struggling to find a good book to read check this post – it’s a list of my most recent favourites. Make sure you take a thermos of tea. You won’t regret it.
Have a very, very fancy bath
Get one of those beautiful scented bath bombs from Lush (not the ones with glitter – Why Lush? WHY???), maybe some bullshit rose petals and set yourself up in the bath with a book, magazine or TV show. I will often watch a TV show on my iPad in the bath and it’s the best thing ever. It makes your skin all soft luscious (the bath, not the iPad)and I swear it makes stress just melt away.
Go to an afternoon movie or matinee
A solo movie or show is the ultimate indulgence isn’t it? Make sure you get yourself a glass of bubbles or a choc top. It would be rude not to.
Take a class
I’m a class fiend – I’ve done every kind of class. Knitting, crochet, macramé, improv, twerking – It’s always a bit of fun. Sometimes people get a bit funny about spending money on classes but I always think they’re a bargain. I once paid $30 for a crochet class that included afternoon tea. It was insanely awesome value and you’re also supporting local businesses. It’s also a great way to meet people who are into the exact same things as you. It’s like a group of ready made mates.
Have a glass of wine at a bar and read a book
My actual favourite thing to do. You can choose the wine you like, the table you want to sit at and you don’t have to share your olives with anyone else. Boom.
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Do you hang out alone often? What’s your favourite solo date activity?
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Are we mates on Facebook yet?