Dating in the City
What do you do when you randomly get a day when you don't need to do anything? Stay at home and watch Netflix? Hit your friends up and go to dinner? Do laundry and jam out to your favorite music? It seems like it's almost very trendy these days to be busy, occupied or be on a schedule. And as much as I understand that and actually trying to get a Ph.D. in organizational skills, I really sometimes enjoy to completely unplug and just take myself out on a date.
We all have our guilty pleasures. If I wake up and realize that I can, actually, afford to have a day for myself, what do I do? Since I live in Chicago, the choices are endless. And as much as I am a person who constantly tries new things, on days when I want to relax I stick to my routine. I take myself out to lunch - usually a place with seafood and get a lobster bisque and some rosé. Then I hit up the Art Institute to catch up on all recent exhibits and then go for a walk by the Chicago River down on Wacker. The City Winery is always a good spot to people watch. I especially enjoy observing those who park their boats right in front of the walk. You honestly sometimes don't need to go to a theater, just get a glass of wine and let the drama unfold.
If the winery is too busy I just take a seat on one of the concrete benches on the Riverwalk. I either read a book or write in my notebook to remember the mood of the day. The main thing to do when you are on a date with yourself is to disconnect from everything, but also to soak up the environment. I sometimes put my phone on an airplane mode, so I don't get tempted to check it every 5 minutes. It's crazy that it is almost a luxury now to be disconnected. I almost get this weird adrenaline rush, like I am doing something so rebellious.
Lastly, I wrap up with my date and hit my friends up. Because, as much as I love being alone, I also love people that surround me. They help me generate ideas and fuel my creative spirit. They listen to my stories and are always down for an adventure. The city is our playground. And it is a great blessing to find yourself young, free and living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Chicago, you are awesome!
