If you ever consider solo dates, this story should inspire you to get past your fears being alone in place meant for two.

Eat lunch on your own and taking in the ambience. 

Stare at a painting and imagine being the muse while wondering if you could ever paint like that.

Go do something you wouldn't do because of the company you'd take with you.

Or, just take a long romantic sunset walk, loving yourself as much as your partner would once they come around, feeling the warmth and feeling the firm ground under to feet to make sure you're fully present.

*please comment if you enjoyed the story!

I'm looking into the mirror Valentine's Day morning, wondering if I look like the perfect combination of cute enough for a date and casual.

I decided to do a solo trip for this holiday, wondering if it was possible to sit at a table and eat a great plate of lunch with no-one across you. 

How it would be like to walk alone on scenic routes otherwise past couples who act like they'll lose life force if they had to let go of each other's hands for two seconds.

I put many of these rising thoughts in my mind as I have to double-check the items in my handbag. With everything in place, I take one last mirror as I head outside.

The air is crisp with the rain just ending, the grass bright green as I get into the street, walking slowly towards the bus stop, listening to music. The air doesn't feel different here; it's not like I could immediately see a couple walking or see a person almost float in a romantic way.

The bus slows in front of me and I get in, the passengers minding their own business as the trip to the plaza begins.

The plaza is starting to fill up when I walk into the courtyard, people already taking pictures of their amazing outfits and presents they received. The restaurants are having two-for-one specials, and I take advantage of that, ordering two cupcakes with the words 'yours' and 'mine', for me of course.

The sun peeks just slightly past the clouds, rays falling onto the courtyard, and it's like magic. The enamoured expressions of lovers near and far to me glowing with the sun. At this point I get up and walk around, taking in the romance despite coming here alone.

I've decided to re-write the narrative around the plaza, replacing my heartbreak with a new heart, each step a light float, with the light that penetrates me into my bones.

I get to the busy restaurant, famous for its creamy penne pasta, and I'm extremely lucky to get the last table.

'You're eating alone?' the waitress asks me as she gets me comfortable. 

'Yeah,' of course. I don't mind, and I look around to the frenzy growing as couples get seated, expectant. I finally order my pasta and look out to the courtyard, now full of sunshine, noticing soft whiffs of rainwater evaporating from the ground as it warms up, just like my food as it reaches me.

I sit and take careful mouthfuls, easing into the flavour and texture like it's the first time. 

In between the shouts during marriage proposals and love music, I realise that I love myself enough to sit alone, and wish the best for people while waiting for my time, whenever it comes.

For now, I've got me.