It has been such a long time since my last Blogging for Confidence challenge and I think it is about time I changed that. Honestly, I'm just too chicken to give either challenge I have in mind a try. Each one intimidates me in different ways. Maybe you could give me a little push?
Challenge #1 - Take Myself on a Date // Oy. Dating is not my favorite topic in the world. I just don't go on dates that often. Who knows why, but it hasn't really happened for me and because of that, I've dealt with a lot of self-doubt and negative feelings about myself. I try not to focus on it because it just gets really frustrating. Do my single friends agree with me on this? One of my resolutions for 2012 was to date more and I honestly don't know how I can achieve that goal. Since no guys are asking at the moment, I want to take myself on a date. Just because I'm single doesn't mean I can't treat myself to a movie and cupcake, right? However, the trouble is I actually have to do it. Go out there, alone, to a movie and face the world with my singleness. I really admire people who are able to take themselves out on dates so easily. It is difficult to feel and be alone in a sea of people. This challenge will help me get over those feelings of loneliness that creep up on me throughout the day and remind me that I am worth it.
Challenge #2 - Yarn Bomb a Desk in My Classroom // In my morning media class, the desks are in a big stadium-like classroom. Each chair has a little pull out desk and I have contemplated yarn bombing something on it for months. I don't know why my mind has fixated on that desk, but I won't be satisfied until I cover it with yarn. This challenge will be difficult because it is yarn bombing something inside and after I do it, I can't flee the scene like a bandit, but I have to sit there for the entire class and wait. I don't really talk about my blogging and knitting with my friends from school. It just doesn't come up and it makes me feel super shy when people from my real world start looking at my blog. Yesterday my entire class pulled up my blog and said the sweetest things about it. They really made my day. :) So, I guess this yarn bombing will be my little symbolic way of connecting my school life and blog life before I graduate. Also, it had been awhile since my first yarn bombing experience and I really want to try it again! Wait...does it still count as yarn bombing if it's inside? Haha.So those are the two challenges. I would really appreciate it if you let me know which one you think I should try and why. Have you taken yourself on a date or yarn bombed something in a weird place before? Please share your thoughts and experiences. Maybe we could all do the challenge together once it is decided. That might be fun!
Leave a comment with the challenge you think I should tackle and I will do it sometime next week! :)


I was planning on a take yourself on a date challenge as well. I think you should go for it! (Well, I think you should do both, but I am indecisive like that). Either way, the two challenges you have ahead of yourself are fantastic. I think I lean toward the first challenge because it is something new. But I definitely support indoor academic yarn bombing for symbolic purposes. (See how indecisive I am?)
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong!
Megan
DEFINITELY yarn bomb! I like the idea of a self-challenge. Hmmm, maybe I should get my thinking cap on. What do you suggest for a 30-something mum who is short of time, patience and money but big on ideas??
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
S x
thejoyofsew.blogspot.com
I have never yarn bomded anything because I don't knit. Although your knitting is awesome! ... I see the value in both of your challenges.. It makes me want to tag along and do something like that.. But I think that you should do the yarn bombing because you are doing something crazy! and honestly it is you stepping out of yourself and like you said connecting school and you together before you graduate. I think if you do it you will be opening yourself up more. Being shy isn't bad, but you can't let it get in the way of others getting to know your amazing personality! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of taking yourself on a date. I feel like that's something so many of us could benefit from- taking the time to just spend time with ourselves! Enjoying a latte, a movie, a book in a park. Anything. Hmm, maybe I'll do that too!
ReplyDeleteDo them both! I love the date idea! Start small and take yourself for a mani or pedi or go shopping or for coffee. Work your way up to dinner and a movie. I'm terrified of going places alone but I'm sure it's not that scary. =] I've never yarn bombed a thing but that would be so exciting for the next student to find! And yay for your class being so positive and kind about your blog! It really is a great blog! =]]
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of taking yourself out on a date, I think it would be more rewarding =]
ReplyDeleteI've actually done both. I would say to try the "take yourself on a date" challenge first. No one is going to comment on someone going about their business.
ReplyDeleteI take myself out regularly. Usually it involves a long walk, a stop by a bookstore, and a coffee. I think part of what makes taking yourself out easy is if you make it a routine. I've become enough of a regular at my coffee shop that I'm greeted by name. So I look forward to taking myself out.
Good luck with your challenge!
I think you should take yourself out on a date first. You deserve a little pampering, right? It would be a nice way to relax and get away from the stress of the end of the semester =) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBoth ideas are great, I say you should do the yarn-bombing because it seems more challenging to me and you are definitely on a deadline with that one ;)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I never had the confidence to go out by myself and always brought my fiance along. But he was killed last year so I went from having him by my side always to being completely alone. The point of all of this is that since he's been gone I've taken on a "screw it" attitude and I've started going out to eat by myself and going to movies by myself, I guess going on a "date" by myself as you call it. It's a really invigorating feeling and even though it's scary as soon as you make yourself do it it's really not that bad, I promise.
ReplyDeleteI was reading everyone's comments before posting my own and even though I don't know quite what to say to you, I wanted to acknowledge how brave I think you are and how sorry I am that you lost your partner.
DeletePRS x
Thank you. I didn't post expecting any support for me but your kindness means so much.
DeleteI wholeheartedly agree with PRS. I really appreciate and greatly admire your strength for sharing such a tragic part of your life. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
DeleteLove your blogging for confidence series! I think you should definitely take yourself out on a date to a coffee shop or the movies. :) But then again, yarn bombing sounds pretty fun, too!
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely do both. :) You have to do the yarn-bombing, because you will be graduating and you shouldn't graduate with any regrets! Seize the day, find your courage, and just go for it!
ReplyDeleteThe "take yourself on a date" challenge is another must, though. You know, I'm someone who can be pretty shy and lacking in the confidence area. I went through a phase where I felt like I didn't really have a lot of people to do things with and I felt like I was missing out on a lot of opportunities because of it. So, I actually made myself a similiar challenge - but mine wasn't just a date, it was a full blown vacation! I'm from Pennsylvania and I flew myself to Hawaii all by myself for a week long vacation. I had one small panic attack when I first got there and I called home crying, "Why did you ever let me do this?" But you know, it totally changed my life. I was somewhere new, on my own and the vacation helped me come out of my shell and gave me confidence in myself. Because of that trip, I took many other solo trips and I met my boyfriend on one! :) Which brings me to the next point in my pep talk for you - I'm in a very long distance relationship at the moment. I don't get to do a lot of "dates" like normal couples would, so if there's a movie I want to see or something I want to do, I don't let being a 'loner' stop me. Remember, there's nothing wrong or embarassing about doing something nice for yourself. Putting yourself out there can change your life - I'm living proof. :)
I think your blog is the sweetest. Whatever you decide to do - just enjoy yourself. :) I look forward to reading about your adventures.
Oh thank you so much for sharing this!! I think it is amazing that you took yourself on a vacation. I have always thought about giving that a try, but it is definitely a little scary. Your experience with solo traveling sounds so rewarding! I hope I can find the strength to try it myself one day. :)
DeleteTake yourself out on a date: you deserve to go out with someone as charming, adorable, and lovable as you. And!!! No awkward goodnight kiss if you didn't really enjoy yourself. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think you should definitely dress up and get nervous while you wait for you to pick you up, too.
If you already have a picture of the desk you plan to yarn bomb in your head, knit it up (to the correct size) and have it ready to go when you get to class. Get there a little early or linger a little afterward, but then go for it!
ReplyDeleteAs for the date - just go and have fun. Take a book. Or take your journal. Then it's easy to look busy!
Good luck! Fingers crossed!
taking yourself on a date is a prerequisite for finding your soulmate. something about loving yourself before being able to love another.=)
ReplyDeleteThose are both great challenges. I'd love to see your yarn bombing, but I think in the long run you'll grow more from taking yourself on a date. A long time ago I read this book that wasn't that memorable expect for this one scene where the main character talked about it being important to learn how to be comfortable spending time by your self. And not until one can take themselves to a restaurant and comfortably sit at a table and eat their meal peacefully will they have accomplished this.
ReplyDeleteSo go take yourself on a date, and have fun! You're a beautiful lady, and there is no reason you can't enjoy a good movie and cupcake!
Have you seen this video on being along: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7X7sZzSXYs That's what the challenge reminds me of. :) I've always wanted to go to the movies by myself-just haven't gathered the courage yet.
ReplyDeleteI almost linked to this video in the post! I don't know why I didn't. A friend of mine sent me this video when I was at my lowest and it made me feel so much better. I mean, I cried a lot when I watched it the first few times...but it really spoke to me. It has been my inspiration as I learn to be ok with being me and doing things like going on dates alone. :)
DeleteI get you with the no dates things, I've been single for about 5 months after a 2 years relationship and now I feel I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to guys. I also think that it sould not keep you from doings things you want to do like watching a movie of eating a nice cupcake, so I would say you should take yoursefl on a date and enjoy it! Love your aestethic, and your honesty when it comes to blogging
ReplyDeleteTake yourself out on the town. Make a plan and stick to it. You just might find that it was way more fun than you ever expected!
ReplyDelete:) This is inspiring! I need more courage too.
ReplyDeleteDo both!! I'd start with the yarn bombing because you'll graduate soon but taking yourself out on a date is just as important (and it's fun!!). I used to hate doing stuff on my own but when I moved to another country on my own I didn't have a choice but to get comfortable on my own. It's really not too bad and it's much easier to meet new people! I've had many great conversations in coffee shops that I probably wouldn't have had if I hadn't been alone.
ReplyDeletetake yourself out on a date!
ReplyDeleteI love alone time, I used to take my self
on dates once in a while and it felt really good.
The hardest part is stepping out your door, after
that you will be glad you did (:
I think you should do the yarn bombing since you're going to graduate soon. :D But you should do the date thing soon after because going on self-dates is so much fun!!! <3
ReplyDeleteHere's what I think: You can take yourself on a date whenever you want, but the yarn bombing on your school HAVE to happen before you graduate, right? So you should do the yarn bombing and then, when you've acomplish that, you can take yourself on a date as a reward for being awesome and brave(;
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean when you say you feel weird if someone in the "real world" reads your blog, for months Ive been hiding that I had a blog, until a few days ago, I decided to be brave an to share my blog with the people in "the real world" so I create a Facebook page for my blog and I share it...the truth is that Im so happy I did and dont have to hide my blog anymore from the people I know:p
Sorry for my long comment...Hope you have an awesome day (almost weekend!)(:
Carmila Ponycat
You are so right Carmila! Thank you for sharing your experiences too. It does feel good to let the "real world" see the awesomeness of the blogging world. :)
DeleteTake yourself on a date. :) There's really nothing weird about seeing a movie by yourself; you could go to a matinee if that would make it less weird. And getting a special treat like chocolate or coffee afterward or something else you don't normally get will make you feel good. You will be really glad you did it.
ReplyDeleteI very much like the idea about going on a date with yourself. But I also wonder if it's completely unheard of in your neighbourhood to ask a boy out, and if not, would like to suggest maybe to challenge yourself to do it (maybe as a later challenge?)
ReplyDeleteI love both challenges! But if I really had to choose I'd say take yourself on a date. Going out somewhere alone can be so liberating, you can do what you want, you don't have to worry about anyone else, it's your time! One of my favourite feelings is going out alone and being a complete mystery to everyone else, no one knows what I'm up to. If people want to make negative assumptions about it all, let them, as long as you are happy with what you're doing then nothing else matters :D
ReplyDeleteI think you should take yourself out to the cinema :) I've done it a couple of times (I'm not single, just living away from my boyfriend whilst at uni) and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Then again, I didn't go to a large cinema, I went to a really small, independent cinema across the road from my house where you can get a cup of tea :) Good luck with whichever you choose!
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to take yourself on that date. Loving yourself, all of you, is important to your confidence, and confidence makes one more attractive. You are worth it and when you believe that, others will believe that. Life is very short, seize every moment.
ReplyDeleteGo for it! I love taking myself out for dates (and I have a live-in boyfriend, is that weird?) Cinemas are great for alone time - and no one can see you - but I've even gone for drinks and even a meal by myself. If you get any funny looks they're just jealous of your brilliant company ;)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'd love to yarn bomb something. Can't wait to see it!
I say do the yarnbomb. To get a date with a man you need to put yourself out there and be confident. Now that your class mates have seen your blog, you may as well ride the wave, yarnbomb a desk and revel in the ooh's and aah's and attention. That's a real confidence booster and a way to say "Here I am. This is me." I think crochet/knitting is your "thing" and you do it so well! A date with yourself is an excellent idea, but I think stick to your passion if you want to push yourself.
ReplyDeleteI love them both, but I vote taking yourself on a date. First of all, I've worked in cinemas and people come in on their own all the time and the staff don't think it's weird at all (and it's dark inside; nobody else can see you). Secondly, I've started doing more things on my own over the last few years - I'm always nervous beforehand and I can never remember why afterwards! I do feel like a stronger person for it. You can do it!
ReplyDeleteYarn bomb! I think you should knit a little cosy for that pull out desk...like a tea cosy that would cover the whole desk and you could slip it on and quickly stitch up the side. I hope that makes sense. I can draw a diagram of what I mean, I'm not so good with explaining in words...
ReplyDeleteWho says you have to wait for guys to do the asking?? I offer an alternative challenge: ask a guy out. What's the worst that could happen? He might say no and, so what? Trust me, it would be his loss!
ReplyDeletePS, going a solo date is awesome. I especially like La Madeleine because people go in there alone all the time...plus their tomato basil soup is delicious.
ReplyDeleteTake yourself on a date! I did it and after it made me feel all kinds of good and confident. xo Jen
ReplyDeleteHey Meredith,
ReplyDeleteBoth sound like brilliant challenges and I bet you'll feel amazing after doing either or both!
I took myself to the cinema a year or so ago and had the best time! I was the first one in, which was slightly daunting but rather amusing. I went to find my seat number and sat down feeling a bit silly being the only one in the whole cinema. Anyway, in comes the next person. He's looking for his seat number and lo-and-behold it's the seat next to me! He was very apologetic but we got chatting and had a laugh over it. Just as we're nearing the end of our conversation, two more people come in. They start looking for their seats and yep, you've guessed it, their seats are on the other side of me!! They start apologising but by that point we're all in hysterics. We all ended up having a lovely chat, then before we knew it the cinema had filled up and the film was about to start. Who would have thought the first 2 strangers and couple entering a cinema would end up in allocated seats right next to each other! Anyway, it made my first trip to the cinema on my own one to remember and really great experience, so go for it! :-) x
YARN BOMB! i'd be so happy to walk into my class and see a yarn bombed desk!
ReplyDeletegeorgia
http://swonderfulgd.blogspot.com/
I used to be so mean to myself ALL the time, and super inconfident. Learning to do things like take myself on a date is one of the best things I've ever done EVER. It's really nerve-wracking working up to it-- but I've noticed once I'm in the midst of it, I'm really, really happy. And now I do it all the time.
ReplyDeleteI worked up to it-- I feel most happy in coffeeshops and cafes, so I started there. I brought some of my favorite things to do (knitting and a book), I bought myself a nice meal or pastry, and I relaxed. It was nice to have something to do the first few times, and it was in an environment that I was already happy to be in.
In short, both are great challenges, but I would really encourage to eventually go on a date by yourself. It's such a luxury to enjoy your own company, and it opens up the world in a whole new way. Start small, and grow up to it. You can do it :-)
You must yarn bomb that desk ;) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteeitsart.blogspot.com
I think if you don't think of it as taking yourself out on a date but just going to see a movie, have a cup of coffee, whatever it is you want to do you'll see how easy and confidence building it is. Play it down is what I'm saying, have a bright and breezy attitude and you'll enjoy it. When I'm touring I spend a lot of time on my own, wandering about, seeing films etc. The less I think of it as a big deal the less lonely I feel, I also find people generally talk to me and smile at me more, making it quite an enjoyable experience.
ReplyDeleteAs for the yarnbombing, I think that's the bravest thing to do and I think you should absolutely go for it - you'll regret it if you don't and life is too short for regrets! Make sure you post pics! x
I suggest you take yourself out on date. It's a great way of feeling comfortable with yourself. Plus, it's perfect when there is a movie out there you want to see and no one wants to go with you.
ReplyDeleteI think the challenge should really be 'ask a guy out on a date'! It is very liberating and absolutely no reason to wait. You could start by asking someone you get on well with, but not necessarily feel romantically about and go to the cinema/meal etc, just the act of pushing through some fear to ask someone out might make you feel more confident when there is someone you really do like. And they'd be no big pressure about it being a date. That way you would still be honouring your resolution of more dating in 2012 as you'd be doing the thing that you were in control of. Good luck with whatever you decide:) At the very least do the self-date. I LOVE sitting at a restaurant on my own, glass of wine, good book occasionally people watching.
ReplyDeleteI have several friends who find great joy in taking themselves out for a movie... I've never been courageous enough to try it, but I can see the appeal of just having a moment to yourself with your popcorn and a great movie. However, if you want to take a baby step, you could take yourself out to coffee first a la that Sex and the City episode where Carrie refuses to bring a book with her for security. Just get coffee and enjoy people watching for twenty minutes! If you don't feel awkward sitting there with your own thoughts for that long, then you might not feel awkward sitting in a dark theater by yourself either. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteTake yourself out on a date. Im very single (sadly) and I finally got up the courage to go to lunch in a restraunt by myself a few months ago. It is really scary (and I may have cheated by taking a book) but I feel much better now that I have done it and won't be as scared next time (I hope!). By the way, love your blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://thepasturetimes.blogspot.co.uk/
Both great challenges.
ReplyDeleteYou can always transition into dates by yourself by starting with great intentional dates with good friends. Instead of just "meeting up for coffee", schedule something that feels like a real date with a girlfriend or male friend that you're really comfortable with. Dress up, order the wine, do something special that you don't usually do to make it feel like a date. Pay attention to what you do and don't like about the experience and I bet it will help you with dates alone and with men in the future.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7X7sZzSXYs
ReplyDeleteI feel like why try to explain when this video basically changed my life in regards to this. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.
:)
Thank you for sharing this video. I really enjoyed it, and have also passed it on. ♥
DeleteI love that video so much.
DeleteI love the idea of yarn bombing a desk! It would be such a nice surprise to reach down and find something pretty.
ReplyDeleteTotally loving your blog!
ReplyDeleteBoth of your challenges are great ones.... I think it comes down the a difference of doing something for yourself or doing something for someone else......which one is your intended goal at this time?
Either one you chose will be AWESOME..... especially if you share it with us - lucky bloggees.... ;)
(I am leaning towards the going out on a date with yourself - because seriously who could pass up a cupcake.....)
Have fun!
Stacey
Great that you're thinking about your next challenge! I kinda missed those, they always inspire me :) Anyway I think Challenge #2 would be really good for you to become more confident about both yourself and being single (nothing wrong with that!). I'm very timid myself, but when I moved to a different (and much bigger) city on my own just a few months ago, I had no choice but to take myself out on dates. I really hated being housebound, because I had not yet made new friends! So even though it scared the heck out of me, I started going to the cinema on my own. I felt really uncomfortable the first time, because I thought people would judge me and think I was sad and lonely. But you know what? After a couple of times, I was totally cool with it! It gave me the confidence to take myself out to dates more often! Just this afternoon I went to a very popular Indonesian Fair (I <3 Indonesian cuisine!). I have to admit I still don't feel comfortable in crowds, so I did panick a bit in the first few minutes I was there. But the trick is not to give in to that feeling. Stay and go through it. After a while the panicky feeling will lessen and perhaps even dissapear. It's wat therapists call 'exposure therapy': The more you expose yourself to something you fear, the less fearful you'll become. Being happy and do the things you want (and enjoy them!) as a single woman is the most empowering feeling in the world! My next challenge is to eat somewhere on my own. It's a bit daunting, but exciting at the same time :)
ReplyDeleteOh before I go, take my advice I learned along the hard way: take baby-steps and don't be too hard on yourself. Assertivness and confidence doesn't happen overnight. Give it time ;) When I started my own challenges, I pushed myself too hard. As a result my self confidence took a big blow, because I felt like I had failed and I could start the progress all over again.
Keep up the good work and lots of <3!
Honestly, I think learning to enjoy solitary adventures and to really savor them and find joy in them, is something essential to life for everyone (single, married, dating, whatever). You are a lovely date, I hope you plan something extra fun for you! This is my first comment but your challenges are the perfect blend of adorable and intimidating, I wish you the most excellent time with both and hope they both happen soon! Hmm, maybe the date could be a reward for the yarn-bombing? Or maybe the other way around? <3
ReplyDeletedefinitely take yourself out on a date. it's so nice to be able to go to a movie and see what you want when you want. you get the whole tub of popcorn and single seats are so much easier to find. i love going to the movies by myself and then maybe grabbing a coffee or cupcake after. or go browse a bookstore. once you start doing it, it's so easy. and promise that people aren't judging you for going out alone. there's so much freedom in it and i think you'll really like it. good luck with whichever challenge you decide to do.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely take yourself out on a date! I go out by myself a lot, to the movies especially, and I have a great time! You should never not do something because you're single- go out and have fun and enjoy yourself! :)
ReplyDeletex Lauren
Am I the only person who prefers to be alone? I say the yarn bombing first, who knows it might even drum up some business if people like your piece. I love going out by myself, I take myself on alot of the other activities by myself cause no one else really gets why I get so excited over stuff like Charity or yarn shopping or attending a crafting glass and sometimes people are busy. I think you have to start thinking of it as enjoying your own company rather than being alone, most of the time people are to worried with their own stuff.
ReplyDeleteWow,sorry Holy illiteracy Batman.
Deletetake yourself on a date! going to see a movie alone is actually quite delightful. You can go see whatever YOU want, and not have to worry about anyone else being bored, and it is much easier to find a great seat for one :)
ReplyDeleteOh the dreaded topic of dating. I just wrote a blog talking about my frustration with the lack of love in my life... http://esthermcarrera.blogspot.com/2012/02/real-talk.html
ReplyDeleteIm 21 and have never been on a real date in my life. I have friends married and already expecting little ones. THen theres me. Single always single. A couple of days ago I went to lunch with my parents and we were talking about what I'm going to do next year since I will be done with school. I got really frustrated and said "I just want to get married, have some kids and stay at home taking care of them and my husband but who knows if that will ever happen.." My parents are well aware of this dream of mine. They looked at me and told me well you can't just stay home sewing or crocheting every night.
Ugh that got me a little mad when they said it. But then I thought about it and it's the truth. I can often be found in my room sewing all day. I just didn't like hearing it. I told myself that this weekend I'll go out. But what did I do yesterday. Stay at home and make cupcakes. haha. So tonight I will make a point of going out!
But I do actually enjoy going out on my own. I learned to really love it when I studied abroad in London. I would wander the city all by myself and go out to eat and shop. Those were some of the best days of my life. Soooo liberating. I often go out for coffee alone. It feels good to me. I truly enjoy time alone.
I hope you have a wonderful time on your dates! Remember not to worry about what others may be thinking about you. Just be confident.
Sorry for the long post but I just thought I'd share because it seems we are going through something similar with dating.
xo
-esther
I say both!
ReplyDeleteThe first one will come easier once you get the courage to do it, simple as that sounds. I'm in a long distance relationship and there's something really satisfying about going out to a meal and then shopping alone. It's kind of odd at first and I was shy about it, but dates are nice whether they're with a partner or not! :)
Hey! I'm normally just a blog lurker ... but today I'm commenting because I gave you an award! http://teaandcraft.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/they-like-me-they-really-really-like-me.html
ReplyDelete^_^
I have a little bag very similar to that one featured in the pic! I love it :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower here - found you via the Her Library Adventures blog.
Megan @ Storybook Love Affair
Take yourself on a date! Once you over come the fear of doing it, you can go out more often by yourself and have more fun!
ReplyDeleteDEFINITELY take yourself on a date - LOTS of dates! I am happily coupled and still regularly take myself on dates. While I love spending time with my significant other, we don't always like the same foods, movies or places and I so enjoyed my solo outings that I never considered for a moment they would end because I was in a relationship! Think of it this way: you don't have to share your popcorn at the movie, reading at dinner is not considered rude and no one will call you out for eyeing a cutie too long over coffee! One of my absolute favorite things to do, and this might be a good place to start, is to arrive early to meet friends and just hang with yourself for a moment. I like to bring a book or just people watch and enjoy a glass of wine/cup of coffee by myself before my guy or gals arrive. Then catch lunch and a matinee - like a date with another person, it's a lot more low-key than dinner. Sit at the bar first if sitting by yourself at a table seems too weird. Go somewhere for a tea-time slice of cake or pie. You will wonder how you ever didn't do it - promise!
ReplyDeletei vote date! you can bring a book for back-up, in case being by yourself gets too uncomfortable. and choosing an activity like a movie or a museum (where you're supposed to be quiet anyway) is a great way to ease into the whole 'dating yourself' thing. i spent tons of time solo when i was studying abroad and it was amazing - you get to pick exactly what you want to do, you can leave if you're bored, you never have to compromise, and you learn so much about yourself. date first, yarnbomb second - that's my two cents.
ReplyDeleteI vote for taking yourself on a date. I frequently need to get away from my boyfriend's clingy-ness and treat myself to movies all the time. I absolutely love going to movies by myself and I think everyone should! I treat myself to little dates all the time: just taking time to do exactly what I want to do and not worrying about what anyone else wants to do. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I vote date! I often go out by myself to do things that I want to do, that may not appeal to my SO. I even take trips alone. That way I can do exactly what I want, no compromises. Yay for treating yourself.
ReplyDeleteW. :)
Take yourself on a date. It's great to be out by yourself doing exactly what you want to do and when you want to do it. Take a book, a notebook a project enjoy observing others. Do something you love to do.
ReplyDeleteTake yourself on a date. Being able to be alone and do things alone is a good skill to have. Some of the best days and trips that I've had have been alone. I get to do what I want, when I want, and it's such a boost to know that I did it all on my own.
ReplyDeleteAfter a few dates, you can take yourself on a solo weekend roadtrip to somewhere you've always wanted to go! :)
Umm...I'm totally thinking 'both!' right now, but I'd have the most trouble with #1. I find it tough sometimes to even walk into a restuarant to pick up food to go, sometimes. lol. Seriously. I would have a super-tough time going out to a movie or a restaurant alone, simply because I would probably be all awkward in leiu of talking. I would take a hint from Samantha a la' Sex & The City and bring a book, maybe? Or your knitting. :) You can do it!
ReplyDeleteI think you should do both! They would both improve your confidence in diferent ways, and they would both make great blog posts. I look forward to seeing which you go for (and will keep my fingers crossed that you do both).
ReplyDeleteMeredith - you are a woman full of bravery! Cheers to you for all you've accomplished! I used to think when I saw a single person at the movies or eating alone in a restaurant that they were sooo lonely. HA..totally the opposite! The first time I saw a movie by myself I felt sort of odd, but got over it quickly. The same with eating out. And shopping...I don't even want a salesperson talking to me until I'm checking out! I hate when people are jabbering in my ear and I can't concentrate on what I'm looking for or choosing something from the menu. I'm easily distracted so I need to remain focused to make a decision. Keep up the good work, I can't wait to read more about your adventures :)
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and I'm completely enamored with it! Especially this blogging for confidence series. Good for you for going to the movies solo! I love doing that, but it definitely took some getting used to.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a freshman in college in a new state with no friends, I did a lot of stuff solo. One of my favorite adventures was going to a concert solo. It was a little weird but I had so much fun! I got right up front and just screamed along and no one even glanced at me funny. So I challenge you to go to a concert or even a small live music gig solo!