Today I treated myself to something nice out.
Just because I felt like it.
No special reason, no company, no plans.
Just me.
A table by the sea, a glass of white wine, and a plate of salmon tartare on a bed of avocado — with mango, toasted bread, and a few black sesame seeds as finishing touch.
And a smile.
Lately, I’ve been trying to do that more often.
Not just on holidays, but in between too.
After a big project. Or after a few intense workdays.
That’s when I treat myself.
Not with something big, but with something small that feels big.
I know people who wouldn’t do that.
A friend once said: “I’d never sit on a terrace alone. Not even for a coffee.”
And I get that.
There’s still some invisible expectation that you go out ‘with someone’.
As if otherwise it’s sad. Or boring. Or as if you have no life.
But I see it differently.
I see it as a little gift to myself.
A moment without distraction, without having to consider anyone else.
Just being present.
Watching people.
Notebook in hand. Letting thoughts wander. Maybe writing down a line.
Or not thinking at all.
And honestly?
If I had always waited for company, I would’ve missed so many beautiful moments.
Because I’ve often travelled alone in recent years.
Sometimes by choice, sometimes because there was no other option.
And if I hadn’t done that — hadn’t visited cities, had beach days, or eaten salmon tartare with a sea view — I would’ve short-changed myself.
I’ve learned:
You don’t have to wait for someone to ask you out.
Or until work is done.
Or until the weekend.
There’s really nothing you need to wait for.
If you feel like enjoying the moment, then you’re the only one who needs to make it happen.
A table. A glass. A smile.
That’s all you need.