Sun-kissed cheeks, sandy feet, and sugary drinks — summer, the best season of all, is finally here. If I were still in high school, now would be the time to bust out my pink, spiral-bound journal and come up with a list of things to do that I'd probably only ever seen in movies. Think High School Musical 2 and The Last Song. Now that I'm in my 20s, I'm still making lists (in the Notes app on my iPhone, whatever) but my summer bucket list for single girls is a lot less Hannah Montana and a bit more "Wrecking Ball." It's basically the best of both worlds.
Even if you don't get through everything on your list, the idea is to challenge yourself to have the summer you've always imagined. With your list as validation, you'll be ready to get over your last breakup, experiment with new partners, and celebrate the most important relationship of all: the one you have with yourself. More than just a list of to-dos, it's an agreement you make with yourself to reject mediocrity and go after the movie-worthy excitement you deserve in your life. You don't need a partner. You don't need a travel buddy. You don't need anyone's permission but your own. All you really need is a list, so you've come to the right place. Here are 50 things you can add to your summer bucket list if you're single.
You owe this to yourself. You worked hard this past academic year, putting your social life on the back burner every Friday night to write lab reports instead. Now, it's time to get back out there. Trust me. This is the push you need. You'd hate to leave anything on your list unchecked, right?
This dare's for the girl who never makes the first move. What are you waiting for? You'll know they want to kiss you too if they've been leaning in your direction the whole time, maintaining eye contact, and playfully touching your arm whenever you say something funny. Go for it!
How steamy! You'd be lying if you said you've never thought of doing this before, especially since you saw that Riverdale scene with Jughead and Veronica. Find out for yourself if it's as hot as it looks in there.
Speaking of Jughead and Veronica, the two were technically on a double date with their significant others before they decided to kiss each other. Nothing like a little friendly competition between couples to ignite a spark.
OK, this is definitely taken right out of a movie script (Love, Simon, anyone?). That doesn't mean it's not doable, though. Summer fairs are ideal date spots. Picture it. Your date buys you a tub full of donut holes, you kick their butt in ring toss, and then you get in line for the Ferris wheel for the grand finale. See you at the top, lovebirds.
If you find someone who's down to do this with you, you're going to want to remember them. Plus, this is a great way to remember your single summer forever.
All your years on Pinterest have prepared you for this moment. You'll need an Instagrammable beach blanket, sunscreen, and pizza and strawberries (because Gabriella and Troy shared this and you're still not over it).
Talk about an adventure. If you've never been one for spontaneity, summer is the time to test the waters (or the roads). Ask that person you just started texting to go on a short road trip with you. Then, delegate snack and music duties and hit the road!
Let's be honest. Your last sex playlist had all the cozy vibes of a fall hookup by the campfire. It's time to mix it up with some summer favorites.
It beats watching Netflix for hours from your couch. Plus, now you have a reason to shower.
They've been flirting with you for weeks but nothing has happened. You can turn things around with one quick text: "I'm so hot today. Come cool me down?"
TBH, it really is hot. This is an adorable, budget-friendly date idea that almost anyone can execute.
Giving up on love (or lust) already? Think again. Re-download that app for an exciting round of Summer Swipes.
Wondering how you can reinvent your pool float Instagram posts from last year? Easy! Add another person and a passionate kiss. You might not want to share this on the 'Gram if your mom follows you.
Maybe it's the heat. Maybe it's the fifth strawberry daiquiri you just downed. Either way, you're ready to make your move. Don't hold back.
This is quite possibly one of the most romantic date activities I can think of. You don't even have to speak to each other.
Since you're probably going to spend your days lounging by the pool anyway, why not try your first bikini wax this summer? I find that bikini waxes are more about me than they are about any of my partners. I always feel more confident, in and out of the bedroom.
Hey, here's an idea. You should have sex whenever you want to have sex, even if that's on the first date.
I think this is pretty epic. Right away, you'll know how much you have in common with your partner based on the meme they choose to recreate. If they don't enjoy doing this, they don't have a great sense of humor.
I'd like to start a formal petition to make breakfast dates a thing. I look good in the daylight, too. And I just really like pancakes, OK?
You can only listen to your great-aunt tell that story about how you threw up on her 22 years ago so many times. Social interaction (beyond the branches of your family tree) is important for your growth and development.
This is a foolproof strategy. I anticipate only positive results.
Supposedly, if you answer these 36 questions on a first date and then stare into each other's eyes for four minutes, you'll fall in love. Worth a shot.
These posts don't have to be photos of the people you go out with. They can be of your fancy cocktail or a funny sign you see on your way to the bar, like a secret digital scrapbook of your single summer.
This is either super cute or super creepy. You've never been on a date like this before. But the Instas will be lit.
This is perfect for the girl who has trouble letting her guard down since it's a fun, casual, low-key event.
What happens in the DMs doesn't have to stay in the DMs.
Your kissing ability has absolutely nothing to do with your ability to knot a cherry stem with your tongue. That doesn't make this challenge any less fun, though.
That's right, you're a catch.
Things you'll need:
- Chips and guac
- Alcohol
- Name tags
- A piñata filled with condoms, dental dams, and low-budget sex toys
Be safe, kids.
"Hi, remember me? Last we spoke, you said you were new to the app. How's it working out for you?"
It's time they know what you really think about them.
Who says you can't keep learning during summer? Just beware of your matches turning this into a dirty joke.
You'll be telling this story of your one-night stand all the way through your fall and spring semesters next year.
I imagine this going one of two ways. Ideally, you and your prisoner will get so wrapped up in getting to know each other that you'll forget all about the hostage situation. More likely, you annoy the heck out of each other and abort the mission before 30 minutes have passed. Basically, it's the ultimate compatibility test.
Which is riskier? Dating or jumping out of an airplane? I've done both and I'm still not sure.
You're going to be up there anyway. You might as well get something out of it other than a sh*tty Instagram Story of the plane taking off.
Have you ever done this? Is it just something that happens in the movies? Try it and let me know.
You wanted an excuse to add this to your to-do list and now, you have one. I'm ordering you to. Here's your guide.
Totally messy and impractical. Totally worth the laughs. Anyone you can goof around with and not care about what other people think is probably worth your time.
Especially fun if this is your date's first time setting (unpolished) foot in a salon.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Agree with me or, in the immortal words of Beyoncé, to the left, to the left.
The obvious question is, "Why are you wearing a trench coat in the middle of summer?" The response is entirely up to you. Get creative.
The trick is you have to wear the outfit your partner picks out for the rest of the date.
It'll be interesting to hear what the psychic has to say about the strength of your (non-existent) romantic relationship.
