In Order To be A Couple Do You Have To Put Your Single Self On The Shelf?
Whether you’re in a marriage, a long term relationship, or have just started seeing someone for a month, we may all still harbour a single side inside of us. But what does it really mean to be “single” anyway? If it’s about having independence, doing what you enjoy, when you want and for you, then surely maintaining some of your single spirit in a relationship might actually be a good thing?
We all need time to ourselves and time to spend on the things we love. Even if you and your partner are inseparable, you love lots of the same things, whatever your relationship “status”, having passions, hobbies, and interests of your own makes you who you are... and a little bit of time for this is certainly never a bad thing.
So in order to be a couple do you have to put your single self on the shelf? Absolutely not. We thought we would round up some our favourite things to do in London to celebrate freedom, be you single or in a relationship; things you can do for you and only you!
Kick-ass!
Whether you're a fitness fanatic or not, martial arts is a super-fun activity for building skills, meeting new people, releasing endorphins and improving your strength at the same time. With a range of classes, from Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we are loving The London Fight Factory. It's friendly and welcoming and boasts top-of-their-game instructors who are professional and guide you every step and kick of the way.
If you are a complete beginner and would like to try self-defence in a safe, non-judgemental envirenment, then you should join us on our Self defence Workshop on the 5th November. Self Defence is a life skill, whether we're in a couple and going about our daily lives, or single and fancy free. Sadly, we may just not realise how important it is until it is too late! Join us with the British Combat Association's Senior Instructor and Chief Instructor of Urban Krav Maga, Stewart McGill, an incredibly friendly and passionate instructor, to equip yourself with the skills and confidence to defend yourself against the most common attacks you may face. Hopefully you will never need to use the teachings of Urban Krav Maga, but why wait to find out. He promises to teach everything that may be needed for self defence and where it may be necessary in all manner of environments, including solitary, highly confined, crowded spaces, cars, shopping centres, nightclubs, buses and more.
Be Creative
Exploring museums and galleries may sound a little predictable for ways to enjoy yourself and make the most of being in London, but going on your own can be a liberating experience. You can go at your own pace, fast forwarding through areas that don't interest you and pausing whenever and wherever you like, to absorb what really captures your interest.
If you want to step up your creative spirit a notch, why not try a bit of life drawing, a craft course, or an art class? At the moment, we are loving The London Craft Club. A friendly and fun place for you to easily try new crafts or pick up an old one, this club finds unusual venues and provides everything you need to create an arty masterpiece. London Drawing offers drop-in life-drawing classes for just £10.00 in London and Waterloo, while well-renowned galleries such as The Royal Academy offer some great longer-term classes, both theoretical and practical to get stuck into.
MINDFUL Meditation
Whether you want to learn how to relax, need to be more concentrated and creative or are searching for personal enlightenment, a meditation course can help you, your emotions, responses and guide your progress, thoughts and approach to day-to-day life. Like any skill, meditation requires practice and it is something only for you. By doing a little every day, it soon becomes a natural and easy habit.
Why not try out one of the Inner Space Classes in Covent Garden or the City? They offer talks and sessions throughout the week, with opportunities to practice in your lunch times or in the evenings. Switch off, relax, stress less, and think positively. To be the best independent you, boost that self esteem and give yourself some me-time.
Get Grooving!
If "single" you likes a boogie and hitting the dance floor, a relationship shouldn't stop you from throwing some shapes with those dancing feet. There's so many classes across London you can sign up to, from ballet to burlesque, tango to tap, jazz to jive, for all levels. City Academy welcomes complete beginners and has everything you need to get going and get dancing. You can boost your confidence, pick up a variety of expressive dance moves, and have fun along the way. Strictly Come Dancing or sexy stripper, whether you use your new-found moves to impress your friends at the club, or your partner in the bedroom, dancing has always been a way to let your hair down and have fun.
Rock a Rollerblade
Walking, cycling, going for a jog, they're all things you can do to take time for yourself, but how about... rollerblading! If rocking a pair of rollerblades in your local park doesn't sound up your street, then why not try the London Friday Night Skate (LFNS) and Sunday Stroll, which are weekly marshalled street skates taking place in central London. The LFNS departs from Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner every Friday at 8pm, while the Sunday Stroll departs from Serpentine Road in Hyde Park every Sunday at 2pm. If you're a complete beginner, you will need to get to a level where you are able to stop, turn and control your speed on hills, but as soon as you're ready try out The Sunday Stroll, a relaxed slow paced skate, and then work your way up to the LFNS, the faster and more technically demanding ride. For the joy and thrill of skating, go wild and give it a go!
Cocktail SPIRIT
A great way to mix and mingle, if you like a tipple why not treat yourself to a cocktail making class. If you've got a group of friends looking for a fun night out, why not try a masterclass at The London Cocktail Club , learning tips, secrets and techniques behind 3 different cocktails and some facts and history along the way for £30.00, or for something a little more laid-back join the bartenders at The Goat in Chelsea, who host a masterclass every Thursday from 7pm - 9pm for just £16.00.
If this sounds up your street, we hope to see you at The Merit Club's Botanical Mixology cocktail-making masterclass, an exclusive event reserved especially for our members and tickets are complimentary! With the chance to learn a thing or two about cocktail making and pick up some new tricks, connections, and friendships along the way, we would love you to join us. The event will be hosted at the botanically inspired Wardian London Design Cube near Canary Wharf, so you can soak up some of London's finest sights, together with delicious drinks, and fun and relaxed company.
Words by Lottie Franklin