Dating In 2025

By: Jackie Warner

It has been so long since I have dated. I have catered to all those around me: my friends, parents, siblings, and without a doubt my job! Here we are in 2025 and I have decided to get back to me — understanding more about who I am and what I need.

We constantly pour all we have from an empty cup into others. Over and over, we are giving and going into a multitude of life deficits that are never repaid. I am sure many a reader of this article would say, “Guilty.”

When was the last time you really looked in the mirror; sat in silence; pampered you for you…not for the world, but just for you? What about closed your eyes and breathed? We must change our mindset and be intentional to self…and stop worrying about having someone else to do these things with or to validate that it is okay!!!

In our minds, we ponder who can I call? — Who can go with me? — What will others think? We might also be on the other end of the spectrum and feel, “I would do this or that, but I am scared to do it all by myself.”

I have traveled and really enjoyed seeing new places and spaces when I was required to for my job assignments. The problem now is if it is not a work trip, then I start trying to figure out who is going to go with me. Do I really need someone to go along with me? No, because then I am catering to their habits and concerns and really lose out on enjoying the trip for me. I challenge each of you this 2025 to start dating the most important person…yourself, yes, YOU!

Accept and love yourself where you are in this moment of time with no regrets — 2024 is gone. Start living…

· Shift your mindset

· To see your growth, move from your comfort zone

· Stop confusing solitude and freedom with loneliness because time with self allows for

recharge and clarity without the pressures of people and environment

· Take yourself out to a nice brunch or dinner

· Catch a movie

· Enjoy your favorite hobby

· Schedule a massage or makeover

· Take the day off and schedule the whole day just for yourself

· Enjoy nature or plan a walk or picnic in the park; bring a good book or your favorite music

playlist