UH's lifestyle and entertainment magazine - by students, for students

When you’re out at a restaurant or a book store you look around and see families, groups of friends or even couples around you. It may not be often you see someone by themselves, and when you do your thoughts might be that they’re lonely or sad. 

However, going somewhere by yourself isn’t something that should be looked down upon. Spending some quality time with yourself can be intimidating, but regardless of your relationship status, you should take yourself on a date. 

Treat yourself.

Imagine you’re going on a date with someone. You’d put a lot of effort into how you look, right? That same principle should apply when you’re taking yourself out. Start with your skincare routine, put on some of your favorite music and get dressed in your favorite outfit.

It may look extremely scary to go out and do things on your own at first, but after the initial wave of nerves rush out, you’ll love it. You get to go somewhere you’ve been wanting to go to for a while, whether it be a new place or an old favorite.

Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean going to extravagant places. You can do anything that you’ve been meaning to for a while. Visit the Houston Zoo (all cougars get free entry), or go to the museum on a free entry day. If the zoo or a museum aren’t really your thing, go see a local band, your favorite artist coming to town or even enjoy a Club 90’s night playing your favorite artists’ songs. 

UH is just a short drive or METRO ride away from downtown Houston. Market Square Park has multiple free events occurring throughout the year. Go out and spend a day exploring downtown, but make sure you build in finding parking to your schedule. 

Retail therapy is the best way to both decompress and spend an amazing day out. You can shop at local markets or malls, and thrifting also falls into this category.  Goodwill, Salvation Army and other small thrift stores are abundant and cheap in Houston. If you want to do some shopping, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, garage sales and estate sales are also plentiful every weekend. 

Book lovers, you know the best way to treat yourself is by buying new books or just being surrounded by books. Go hunting for books in local thrift stores or visit local bookstores near you. Murder by the Book and Quarter Price books are two bookstores just a short drive away from campus. 

Movies are another great way to escape. Spending the day at your local theater watching movies is a great way to enjoy a “me day.” AMC has student discounts, and usually has discounted tickets for select shows. Watching movies alone is a euphoric experience. Think about it, no one can take your popcorn or interrupt you during the movie.  

Houston is filled with rich cultures, which leads to multiple cuisines one can try. Take yourself out for a great meal at either your favorite restaurant or somewhere new you’ve been meaning to try. Eating alone can look scary, but you can go anywhere you want, and you don’t have to share your french fries.

Caffeine is the lifeline of many (if not all) students. Our city is filled with various different coffee shops, from holes-in-the-walls to elegant cafes.  Even just sitting down to drink coffee at your favorite shop, instead of just grabbing it to go, can feel like a quick date with yourself.

Going out by yourself can look scary at first, but it can also be extremely freeing and a wonderful experience. You can go do whatever you desire, whether it’s for a whole day or just for an outing; take yourself out and treat yourself.

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