When you date yourself, you discover your worth and build the foundation for a healthy relationship. It’s not about waiting for someone else to validate you. It’s about realizing you’re the prize and learning to love yourself first. Here’s my journey of self-love, why it matters, and how it led me to find true happiness.
If you’re ready to approach relationships with purpose, tools like The Icebreakers Cards can help guide you toward deeper understanding and meaningful connections. Explore Our Dating Games!
A Father’s Absence & Missing Red Flags
Growing up without a father figure, I thought I had to figure out relationships on my own. But like many women, I found myself drawn to partners who didn’t value me. I found myself dating emotionally unavailable men. Desperation clouded my judgment, and I ignored the red flags. I had to self-reflect and learn that no one else could give me the love I wasn’t giving myself.
The Turning Point: Dating Myself
At my lowest, I decided to date myself. I gifted myself flowers, planned solo getaways, and embraced being my own biggest fan. These moments weren’t lonely. In fact, I felt lonelier when I was in relationships with emotionally unavailable men. As I often say:
“I think I felt the most lonely. To have somebondy and not have them the way you deserve to havesomebody. I think that’s the most loneliest thing in the world.”
Through self-reflection, I realized I was attracting the wrong type of partner because I hadn’t prioritized understanding myself.
The Value of Self-Love
Dating yourself isn’t just about solo outings; it’s about discovering who you are and what you want. When I fell in love with myself, I stopped tolerating relationships that didn’t align with my values. I became selective and intentional, knowing I was no longer seeking validation but genuine partnership.
Letting Go to Find the Right Man
When I released the expectations of what dating “should” be, trusting God and His process, everything changed. It wasn’t long before I met Sir Anthony, a man who shared my values and intentions.
Practicing Abstinence as a Filter
One of the biggest shifts I made was practicing abstinence. It became a powerful filter—weeding out those who weren’t serious about dating with purpose. It wasn’t easy, but it aligned with my goals and helped me focus on the right kind of connection.
Should Women Expect Expensive First Dates?
This question comes up a lot, especially with the rise of viral debates about date expectations. My view? To each their own. Personally, I prefer inexpensive, low-pressure dates like a gym outing or a meal at Portillo’s. These settings let me focus on getting to know someone without distractions or feelings of obligation.
As I explain:
“An extravagant date can distract from the real goal—connection. Keep it simple and focus on what truly matters.”
There are plenty of first-date ideas you can go on without them being overly priced. You can find true love when you truly learn how to date and focus on your desires!
Dating with Intentions: Using Icebreaker Cards
Intentional dating means building deeper connections, and our Icebreakers Cards are designed to help. These thoughtfully crafted cards offer questions that uncover your partner’s values, goals, and dealbreakers. They’re perfect for fostering meaningful conversations and determining whether a relationship is worth pursuing.
If you’re tired of casual dating apps and looking for something lasting, our cards are your perfect companion. Intentional dating is about building a foundation of trust, intimacy, and shared purpose.
Get The Icebreakers Cards for Thought-Provoking Questions, Fun Challenges, & Tools to Build Deeper Connections & Intentional Relationships
Modern Perspectives on Dating Yourself
Some may criticize the idea of self-dating, arguing that women should focus on maximizing what they can get from a man. But I believe in dating with purpose. For me, that means being mindful, submissive in the right ways, and filtering for what aligns with my values.
As Sir Anthony reminds me, “Your relationship starts with the one you have with yourself. The rest will follow.”
A Journey Worth Taking
Dating yourself isn’t just a stepping stone to finding a partner; it’s a lifelong commitment to self-love. By knowing your worth and setting your standards, you attract the love you deserve.
Ready to start your intentional dating journey? Explore The Icebreakers Cards and find tools for lasting love. Explore Our Dating Games!