I used to be the girl who would wait and rely on her friends to be available and in the mood to go out. I would put off doing what I wanted to do, if I didn’t have anyone to go with.

I thought it was embarrassing and awkward to go to the movies, a restaurant, a gathering, etc. alone. But I’ve thankfully matured since I was in my late teens and early 20s.

Over the past years, I’ve enjoyed finding ways to connect with myself and do things that I love by myself. It can get tiring living alone and feeling stuck in the house, so finding those moments where I can let loose outside and have fun on my own is important to me.

Going out alone as a single woman can feel scary and intimidating, but as long as you’re safe, you can make the most out of it.

Now, if a friend flakes or gets sick, I’m not stressed and in a rush to cancel the plans we had. I’m more open to turning into a solo experience, if and only IF it feels safe to do so.

And now, I’m embracing more solo dates and looking for opportunities that I know will leave me having a good time.

If you’re new to going out by yourself or just need some tips to get more comfortable with solo activities, you’re in the right place! Here are some tips on how to go out alone without feeling awkward, and enjoy some solo time.

tips for how to have fun alone

Don’t obsess over who’s watching you.

The reality is everyone is wrapped up in their own worlds, so no one is thinking about you being solo. But also, no one really cares.

I don’t pay attention too much to everyone around me, but I do love noticing when someone’s enjoying a good book alone at a coffee shop or drinking a glass of wine with a nice solo dinner. It really does inspire me.

When I go out to restaurants or bars, the waitresses never look at me funny or assume I have more people to my party.

They ask me if it’s a table for one, and keep it moving. They’re so used to it, and you shouldn’t think it’s awkward or feel bad about having a nice meal or drink alone.

As a society, we think people are more obsessed and intrigued by our lives than they are. I mean do you remember the people who were at the last restaurant you dined at. No, right?

Be safe.

There’s a lot of crazy people in the world. Going out solo, especially at night or in a sketchy area, can be dangerous.

I want you to be cautious of your surroundings, and choose places or activities that you feel safe to explore.

Your safety is important, and you’ll feel more comfortable knowing that you’ll be safe.

Bring protection if you can, and make sure your phone is charged. You don’t want to end up stranded somewhere or in a scary situation.

Do something only you would enjoy.

Solo dates are the best times to do something only you would enjoy because you don’t have to worry about people making fun of or not being interested in what you consider entertaining.

It could be a pottery class, your favorite restaurant everyone else is tired of, or a secret hobby you’ve never told anyone you're interested in.

An outing is always more fun when you don’t have people in your ear telling you it sucks!

Go to meet-ups or places with other individuals.

Nowadays, there are countless organizations, events and societies for people to meet other people.

If you’re interested in going out by yourself because of a lack of friendships, it’s a great way to meet cool people. I did an organized meetup a couple months ago and had a really good time.

While I didn’t connect with anyone I’d hang out with again, I enjoyed the night and felt proud of myself for going out by myself.

Sometimes having a good night is more important than what or who you leave the night with.

Evolve activities with your growth.

There are solo things I absolutely loved doing in college, like Ulta/Sephora trips and Starbucks study afternoons. But that was a different version of me.

Now, I prefer weekend coffee shop mornings, long walks to music and lunches at new restaurants. Be open to exploring new spots as you get older and your preferences change.

When I moved to a new city post-grad, I thought I just outgrew solo dates or my confidence was high enough that I didn’t need to do them anymore. But that wasn’t the case. I just didn’t enjoy things I once did in the same way.

Solo dates and going out by yourself are about strengthening your relationship with yourself, and that relationship is always evolving as you evolve.

Bring something to do.

If you’re worried about being bored or looking awkward, bring something extra that can entertain you.

That could be a book to read while you’re at the bar or headphones to listen to music if you’re out on a walk or shopping trip.

It could be wine and paint to go on a picnic with, or it could be some snacks to enjoy while you’re out.

Bringing something extra (if the activity and outing allows it) is a great way to add some more excitement and enjoyment into your solo time.

Vlog your solo experiences.

Everyone seems to be a vlogger these days. It’s not embarrassing, and it could be fun to look back on. Be that girl, and document your solo outing!

I used to love filming fun outings (on Youtube then TikTok. And now just for myself). It reminds me I’m living a good life and taking advantage of opportunities to have a great time.

Don’t be afraid to spend solo time with yourself. You only have one life to live, and I want you to enjoy every minute of it.

tips for going out by yourself and enjoying solo time