how to be single: tips for making the most of your alone time

Happy (almost) Valentine's Day!

If you're single like I am, it can be easy to get down on yourself this time of year, especially in NYC. After living here for almost four years now, I've had my fair share of "Sex and the City" dating moments. This list includes being involved with guys who are unable to commit, running into exes in various places around the city (yes this actually happens IRL), plus getting "ghosted" (aka the modern day equivalent of Jack Berger's post it note). 

Although dating in NYC can be frustrating, I actually really enjoy being single and exploring the city on my own. However, in this day and age of social media and "FOMO", we can feel pressured to constantly be surrounded by friends, family or significant others. It can be intimidating to do things alone, because you fear people will think you're some kind of loser. So, I've decided to list some tips for feeling more confident being on your own. 

Keep a List:
I keep a list of things I want to do around the city, such as bars or restaurants I want to try, upcoming museum exhibitions, or even tourist attractions I've never experienced. It's easy to say you want to go certain places or do certain things, but it's equally as easy to talk yourself out of it, especially if you don't have someone to go with. Seeing these things in writing will encourage you to actually start checking things off your bucket list.

Take Baby Steps:
If you're nervous about doing something alone for the first time, ease into it. For example, if you're anxious about going out to eat by yourself, start by going at an off time or to a place that doesn't get super crowded. There have definitely been times when I used to be too shy to walk into a packed restaurant at prime brunch time on a Saturday because I worried what all the people there would think. 

Give Yourself a Pep Talk:
Remind yourself that no one is looking at you just because you're alone. No seriously, they're not. Everyone is too busy Instagraming to even notice you :P

Regardless of your relationship status, I hope this blog post encourages you to get out and experience all the things you want to in life. You should never compromise or give up on something just because you're afraid of doing it alone. 

Dress: C/O: Smak Parlour 
(www.smakparlour.com)
Turtleneck & Purse: old; Tights: Target; Boots: Kling 
Location: Village East Cinema (East Village, New York City)