SINGLES' DAY: THINGS TO DO IF YOU DON’T HAVE A SPECIAL SOMEONE

Kevin Gorian
SINGLES' DAY: THINGS TO DO IF YOU DON’T HAVE A SPECIAL SOMEONE

Cover image via NETFLIX

Yesterday, November 11, wasn’t just Demi Moore’s birthday; it’s also Singles' Day in China—a holiday dedicated to celebrating the pride of being single on this vast Earth floating in a universe full of possibilities. The holiday lands on this date (11/11) because… well, “1” is a single unit. There’s not much mystery behind it, no deep symbolism to rack your brain over (if you’ll allow a little hyperbole).

To commemorate Guanggun Jie, which originated in the ’90s (fun fact for you), why don’t we check out a list of all the things you and your solo self can do to make big plans on this special day? (Or just on any other day until you find someone who can handle you just the way you are.)

DO IT YOURSELF

Yes, I know what it sounds like. And yes, masturbation is completely normal, healthy, and fun (if any of these things don’t apply to how you’re doing it, you might want to talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or doctor). But what I mean here is starting a DIY (Do It Yourself) project and spending hours trying to figure out if what you’re doing even works. Start a home garden by planting tomato seeds, knit yourself a Harry Styles-inspired sweater, or try making homemade pasta. Any of those activities that seem easy on TikTok, that stress you out when you try them, and that probably end up leading to the first thing that came to mind when you read this section title.

INDULGE A LITTLE

Being in a relationship is wonderful, sure. But it also comes with a lot of shared responsibilities. Now that you’re “here” for yourself, be indulgent and treat yourself to at least one of those things that sound ridiculously expensive, frivolous, or unnecessary. Want a robot vacuum to clean up for you? Go for it. A projector that promises OLED quality and turns out to be a flop? Do it! It’s your flop. A massage chair? A hairless Egyptian cat? The limit is up to you. You deserve to treat yourself.

GO OUT WITH YOU, AND JUST YOU

This one might seem obvious, but it’s always worth a reminder. Do things that people generally think you “should” do with a partner. Go see that new movie, eat out, take a trip, visit museums, walk in the rain without expecting a cinematic kiss, watch a sunrise or sunset, or, as Miley Cyrus says, buy yourself flowers.

Spending time with yourself is a powerful journey of self-discovery that allows you to learn things about yourself you don’t always notice when surrounded by others. In this world, it’s just you and your thoughts; dating the one person who will always be by your side (you) isn’t so bad.

BLIND DATES

Not a date with someone else, but letting yourself dive into the unknown. Go on a blind date with a book, a movie, a meal, a band, a hobby… In short, give something new a try that you hadn’t considered before.

Of course, you don’t have to be single to do this or feel like you can’t do it with a partner, but doing it solo can lead to a journey of self-discovery and personal definition, which brings us to…

DEFINE YOURSELF

Building on the last two points, getting to know yourself helps you relate better to others. As I once read somewhere, “If you want to know who you are, walk where no one knows your name.” Take advantage of solo time to learn what you want, what you like, what you don’t, who you are without anyone’s gaze or any pressure to play a certain role.

Make a chart, write it on a board… Learn what drives you and where you want to go. This will help you, eventually, to connect with others.

DOLCE FAR NIENTE

Responsibilities. As mentioned, they come in many forms, but if you’re solo, you can take advantage of Italian philosophy dolce far niente—the joy of doing nothing.

In a capitalist world, we’re bound by the need to be productive; however, it doesn’t always have to be this way. Use your solo moments to just exist, with no other weight on your shoulders. Observe the world around you and feel part of everything.

LOOK THROUGH THE EYES OF A TOURIST

An unusual suggestion, and one I’m not sure exactly how to explain, but consider seeing your city as a tourist would. Go out, ask for directions, look for spots you haven’t visited before. If you’re an extrovert, this is definitely for you. Who knows what you’ll discover?

YOU HAVE FRIENDS TOO

Quite literally. Do these things, but with friends. They need love and care too—they’re like plants, only they’re not in pots, they move around, and they’re not green.

LEAVE A LEGACY

While spending time with yourself, take the opportunity to create something meaningful. Something that will stand the test of time: plant and care for a tree, write a book or journal about the world today, get a long-lived pet, take photos, and keep them in a “time machine.” There are plenty of ways to leave your mark for tomorrow.

IF YOU WANT A PARTNER, TRY SOMETHING QUICK

Though meeting people online in hopes you’re not getting catfished is the trend, there are still romantics who prefer the thrill of the unknown by trying Speed Dates—short dates where you might meet the love of your life (or of the next two to three hours).

Plenty of “ventures” have tried their hand at this, and plenty have failed; don’t let that stop you. There are various ways to access Speed Dates in Mexico City. A quick Google search will help you find the one that suits you best.

And that’s it! If you’re celebrating Singles' Day right now, congrats—whether it’s by choice or for other reasons. Whether you’re looking for someone or not, it’s always good to have people to share moments with.