The warm weather, fresh energy, longer days, and renewed social energy have made the phrase “we outside” echo through the internet streets, signifying collective reemergence. Over the last few months, many of us have taken a prolonged period of solitude and healing to cultivate a new season of our lives. And now that summer has arrived, it’s only right that we take our newly evolved selves outside for all the world to see.
When we say we’re outside, it’s not just in the physical sense; it’s in the way we’re showing up and showcasing the newus. At times, the healing process can cause us to be so wrapped up in identifying our trauma and balancing the weight of shame that we can forget to enjoy the progress we’ve already made.
Healing doesn’t just happen through shadow work and insolation. Just like spring follows winter, after dealing with the darkness of our healing, we need to have a little fun. Could it be that for the summer, you take time to enjoy being outside of your mind, outside of needing to constantly improve, and outside of your sad-girl era?
Thriving in the summer means putting down the self-help books and picking up a hobby. It means applying what you’ve learned through therapy to connect with your friends and community. It means saying yes to the things that the “old” version of you would turn down due to self-doubt and fear.
It’s releasing the fear of being perceived and embodying the social, happy, and bold version of yourself.
You didn’t do all that healing for you to keep it to yourself. That’s why we’re sharing a few ways to embrace your outside season and thrive in the summer months ahead:
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Reconnect with the outdoors.
In this case, when we say, "We outside,” we mean it literally. The summertime is the perfect time to take advantage of the warmer weather by spending more time outdoors. Whether it's hiking in the mountains, strolling through a local park, enjoying a picnic, or immersing yourself in nature. Grab your bike, get a pair of roller skates, or even join a local running club. Be active and get social.
Meet new people in person.
We know how cringy the thought of making eye contact with a stranger can be these days, but the love of your life or a new friend could be on the other side of a hello or compliment. When you go out, don’t just keep to yourself or the people you came to the function with; mingle with the people outside with you or go to an event or happy hour by yourself. You never know what new connection could come from it.
Explore new hobbies.
The best way to overcome boredom is to get your hands busy with a new hobby. Channel your inner aficionados and pick up a playful trade that can enrich your alone time. From painting to pottery, crafting to crocheting, and even hiking or gardening, trying your hand at something new not only gives you something to look forward to but can add to your summer resume.
Create a summer bucket list.
The good thing about the summer is that it gives you a time phrase to put all of your social events into. Creating a summer bucket list is the perfect way to organize all of your summer plans to ensure you're making the most of the extended sunlight and radiant energy. Add attractions you want to visit, restaurants you want to try, concerts you want to attend, and goals you want to hit and watch the memories be made.
Release your inner social butterfly.
There’s something about the summer that makes us instantly more social. So why not use this time to get in your hosting bag and be the friend that connects friends over dinners, drinks, and game nights? Enter your hosting era by throwing a pool party, barbecue, beach day, or plan a weekend getaway. These shared experiences can help rebuild social bonds, help form new connections, and be someone’s reason to get dressed up and mingle.
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According to the reports, "An LPD (low-pressure date) allows for a safer and more laid-back environment where daters can gauge potential chemistry IRL before exploring things further."
This isn’t to be confused with low, or no-effort dates. LPDs, instead, are “a relaxed environment with a focus on getting to know one another,” where the focus is more on forming genuine connections and understanding their background and values. Think less about the place and more about the person.
When it comes to low-pressure first dates, many daters prefer to engage in conversations about personal growth, identity, family dynamics, and societal issues. These topics often set a thoughtful and meaningful tone for the date, leaving room to extend it for a longer amount of time if it’s going well.
While this dating style might not be a fit for every single person looking for their next boo, it’s an option to remove the materialistic component of dating and focus on what truly matters, forming a new, lasting, and meaningful connection.
So if you’re ready to switch up your dating style, we’ve put together a few low-pressure dates for your next relaxed, connection-forming rendezvous, no bill splitting required.
1.Stroll Through a Local Market:
Explore a farmer's market or street fair together. The casual browsing can spark interesting conversations and provide opportunities to learn about each other's tastes.
2.Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Discussing art or exhibits can lead to engaging conversations about personal interests and perspectives. The conversation can have a natural pace of pausing and exchanging notes on the art while enjoying each other’s company.
3.Bookstore Browsing
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Unleash your inner bookworm, browse your local bookstore, and discuss your favorite books or genres. You could even start a mini book club between the two of you.
4.Picnic in the Park
Pack a simple meal and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature. This setting encourages easy conversation and helps you get to know each other in a casual environment.
5.Coffee Date at a Cozy Café
We know how controversial coffee dates can be, but never underestimate the vibes of a chill, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place for meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee or tea and provides the perfect exit if sparks aren’t flying.
6.Walk or Hike in a Scenic Area
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Enjoying nature together can create a peaceful environment for meaningful discussion and shared experiences. Not to mention, you’ll get a boost in dopamine and epinephrine, giving you both a post-walk rush.
7.Attend a Community Event or Workshop
Many cities have endless local events, workshops, or classes that align with an array of interests. What a fun way to connect over a new hobby or skill that you both can walk away with.
8.Explore a New Neighborhood
Take a leisurely walk through a new part of town, discovering hidden gems and sharing your thoughts on what you see. Who knows, it could discover the place for your “how we met” story.
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