In the realm of self-care and self-love, a new term has been evolving all around for quite some time now: masterdating. This tendency represents a societal change towards valuing personal well-being, freedom, and self-discovery. While the term itself may pique your interest and possibly make you laugh, it conveys a deeper message about the value of self-love and empowerment.
Masterdating is more than just a catchy phrase; it symbolises a cultural movement towards emphasising self-love, self-care, and self-empowerment. It encourages people to deviate from conventional conventions and accept the notion that spending time alone can be a joyful and meaningful experience. The term masterdating is a play on words that implies playing with yourself sexually. However, masterdating uses a “d” instead of a “b” for masturbating. And that “be” the difference.
Masterdating entails going on dates by yourself. It means spending some quality alone time getting to know yourself and taking good care of yourself. A masterdate, like any other date, can take many various shapes and locations, from simply carving out time to think to actually taking oneself out on a full-fledged lavish date. You can masterdate in the comfort of your own home, a restaurant, a theater, a spa, a baseball game,
the park, or anywhere else you like.
“Being alone might be intimidating. However, it is critical to determine whether you can handle being alone,” shares Shipra Goyal, a counseling psychologist and relationship expert, who further highlights, “When you ask yourself for a date, believe it or not, rejection is still a possibility. This isn’t because you used the incorrect pick-up line on yourself. Instead, not everyone can tolerate being alone.
And by alone, I don’t just mean physically alone while texting in the bathroom, surfing social media, or doing something else that keeps you busy. Asking yourself for a date can reveal whether you’re the type of person who always requires a companion to feel happy, confident, and fulfilled, which can lead to unhealthy attraction and relationships. After all, the best partnerships are formed freely by two generally whole and self-fulfilled individuals.”
Assuming you can persuade yourself to go on a date and don’t play hard to get, masterdating can help train you to feel more at ease doing things on your own. Why wait for a date or significant other to check out a new restaurant, go hiking, learn a new skill, or see Ghosted in theaters? Stop relying on others to transport you. Don’t be embarrassed if you’re seen alone. Since you can’t really escape yourself, you might as well learn about yourself. What are your true personality traits, interests, strengths, values, hopes, and objectives?
What are your weaknesses, blind spots, and triggers at the same time? Learning to be alone may actually help you improve your relationships with others. In fact, finding someone who can masterdate her or herself may be preferable to avoiding toxic relationships. When you get into a relationship, you don’t have to stop masterdating; self-discovery and self-care should continue whether you’re single or in a relationship.
Several causes have contributed to the emergence of masterdating.
The first is a growing understanding of the significance of self-love and self-care in preserving mental and emotional well-being. Taking time for oneself has become a form of resistance and a method to refuel in a fast-paced society packed with continual contact and pressures.
“Masterdating can also be viewed as a form of empowerment and independence. It contradicts the conventional idea that, in order to be happy or fulfilled, one must always be in the company of others. Instead, it encourages people to enjoy their own company and discover joy and fulfillment within themselves. Masterdating can take numerous forms, depending on the desires of the individual. Some people prefer to go on solo walks, visit art galleries, go to concerts, or dine at their favorite restaurant.
Others may choose introspective pursuits such as journaling, meditation, or simply spending a day alone. The internet’s technology has had a tremendous impact on the popularity of masterdating. Individuals on social media platforms are frequently shown enjoying their own company and celebrating self-love, inspiring others to do the same,” explains counseling psychologist Samyuktha Shetty.
