Last week, you, the U.K. public were voting for a very special cause. If you weren’t lucky enough to see our polls on our social media, I’ll explain what they were.
See here at Single-ish we think self-love is very important and that everyone should have the days where they take care of themselves. That’s why we decided to send one of our writers, in this case, me, on a date by themselves.
However, it wasn’t as simple as just going out because our readers got to decide what I did, what I ate, and what I wore. Therefore, I was at your mercy, and it ended with me taking part in a very interesting, but fun, day out (by myself) so join me, as I wear jeans, eat Italian, and go pottery painting…
Clothes
This was the best part of the day as it involved the least amount of effort and money, oops.
You, the public, voted that I wear jeans and a top on my date, simple enough. Therefore, I ventured into my cupboard, which would cause my mother to have a heart attack if she ever saw the mess it was in.
To me though, with years of practice, I can take on the messy beast with ease. Battling the piles of creased clothes, I reached in and found my outfit for the day.
It was pretty simple, the top was from TK Max, one of those mysterious brands you find in the aisles and then the blue baggy jeans were from Primark because if you still wear skinny jeans you need help.
The sun was shining, and I was feeling my fit so with pride in my walk and a strut in my step I began my perilous journey for the day, with my next step being dinner, and it was Italian that was on the menu.
Italian
Finding an Italian within a budget of £5 was incredibly difficult. The original plan was to use a 2-for-1 voucher but being by myself that loophole was closed early doors. I then aimlessly walked around, staring at the menu outside each restaurant I came across, like a dog when they are staring at their owner for food.
At this point, the self-date was seeming like a terrible idea, because not only was I facing the prospect of eating by myself like a loser, but I also couldn’t afford any of the steeply-priced pasta.
With the hope in me dwindling and my self-esteem lowering, an angel then showed themselves to me. An angel in the form of Pizza Hut. Here, I was able to secure a 6” pepperoni pizza, chips, and a Pepsi Max for £7.00.
I was briefly tempted by the ever-so-kind manager’s offer for Nachos for £2, what a kind person… not, tight git. The food was paid for, and I was excited, but before I could tuck in I had to find a seat, F*CK.
Everyone knows that soul-crushing feeling of walking around a shopping centre at prime lunchtime, desperately scrambling for a seat. It awakes the primal nature in everyone, as you spot a free seat and then slowly scorn across the food hall to lock eyes with your competition. Immediately it becomes a bloodthirsty race of pride, with winning the only option.
I lost.
Eventually, I found a seat and ate my cold Pizza Hut “Italian.” For the price I paid, it was a bit of a rip-off, however, it filled a hole, not only in my stomach but also in my soul.
Don’t worry, it wasn’t some magic pizza, I’ve just always been a fan of eating by myself. I always see it as an opportunity to have some alone time, process your thoughts, and just slow down in my hectic days.
Pottery Painting
Finally, we came to the last part of the date, pottery panting. I could have booked a class, but the budget meant I had to buy a ceramic dinosaur from Hobby Craft for £2. Classy.
As someone who was frequently kicked out of art class for being a disruption, the thought of spending my time painting was quite daunting. Despite this, I approached it head-on and got to work.
I don’t have many words for how it went, but as you can see from the picture below, it looks like an eight-year-old painted it, and I’m not surprised, I’m the least artistically talented person ever.
Picasso could have done a better job with his feet.
Surprisingly it was fun and there was something very therapeutic about it, would I do it again? No. Though if you enjoy painting then go for it.
Thoughts
Overall, as promoted throughout this article, I think days to yourself are very important. Life, including dating, can be a whirlwind, and it can often cause us to be drained physically and mentally.
This isn’t your fault, everyone experiences it, however, what you can do is try and look after yourself. This means going out by yourself for the day, taking a break from the normal world, and experiencing the beauty within it elsewhere.
This doesn’t have to be pottery painting and Pizza Hut, just whatever makes you happy and feel at peace. Therefore, next time you’re feeling low, remember this article and remember to just take the day and be with yourself.