Six months ago, I made a drastic decision that would change my life.   This decision opened up an opportunity that I’ve never really given much thought of for the past the months. But, with much hesitance and apprehension, I’ve decided to open myself up once again and explore the world of DATING.

Now,  with so many options (chos), who would be the best person to award this golden ticket?  Well…

none other than my self of course!

Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror. – Byron Katie

Yep, pretty sure I looked in the mirror that morning.

In the spirit of the six month journey that I took, let me share with you six things that I’ve picked up from the wonderful date that I had with myself:

6. Never go out on a date with yourself on a Sunday.

Sunday is family day and you know what that means… bumping into a LOT of friends with families in high-traffic areas that you, of course, want to bring your wonderful self to. Inevitably, between the awkward small talk and giddy besos, the all-too familiar question pops-up, “Sooooo………….who are you with???“

.

Me: “I’m on a date with myself!”  

Reply: “Good for you…………………………”

Now, if you wish to avoid this experience, I highly suggest you go on a Friday.. Or maybe..a Wednesday. Well, now that I think about it, maybe owning the whole “going out on a date with myself ” and proclaiming it to the whole world might not be a very good idea.

5. Bring lots of cash. Or even better, a credit card.

Now, being a girl who’s been very used to have every thing being paid for… I suddenly realize that the french toast and coffee I’ve consumed in a matter of minutes was just about a few hours of what I’ve slaved away in the office. But, of course, I tell myself that there’s always this feeling of gratification and fulfillment.

Fulfilling pa ba tignan yan??? #paranglumabomatakoah

But…………… I haven’t even begun to talk about t parking tickets……… and the gas………… #ANYAREHBRO #BATKAILANGANKOMAGWITHDRAWULIT

4. Management seems to be extraaaaaa kind to you.

Is it a pity fest? Well, I hope not. But throughout the course of my self-date, waiters just seem to revolve around me more compared to my group dining experiences. It’s like they know that you want to be bothered.

“Um…….. yes waiter # 5, the burger is awesome. But I think I told the other waiter beside you just two minutes ago the same thing.“

Actually, now that I think about it, besides the additional tip I felt obligated to give on top of the service charge, I  appreciated the attentiveness of waiters. My glass was refilled instantly, bill was out in minutes and my emotional stability was monitored every five minutes of  kuya waiter. Thank you kuya, love na kita.

3. Extra the effort, double the fun.

Getting ready. Driving. Picking a place. Preparing talk points. (HAHA as if you’ll need that when you’re bringing yourself out.) Just going through the list already gets me tired.  Going out by yourself is double the effort since no one’s waiting for you except..yourself. Preparing takes a little longer, so does deciding where to go or eat. Don’t even get me started on what you want to order.

Sorry babe. This time I have to do it alone.

Yep, I definitely exercise maximum effort and self-control in refraining myself from ordering…EVERYTHING. #walangkahati

2. Dating yourself ACTUALLY makes you feel good.

Through out the course of the date, my parents were of course worried for me. It was absurd for them to hear that their precious daughter was out on a date all too soon.

My mom texts at 8:30pm: “Where are you? It’s late”

Me:(In my head) “What? I went home at 4 am the other night, how can 8:30pm be late??” 

(Reality) “I’m at The Fort. “

Mom: “Are you sad?”

Hell no. My heart was palpitating as I went through the menu. I got giddy when I asked the waiter to take a photo of me with food, excited when I took my first bite and amazingly liberated and free after the meal. It felt so good, I was ready to check out a new place right after!

1.  And number 1……..

“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.” – Wayne Dyer