TikTok Trend: Gay Masterdating

Hot on TikTok: Masterdating!

A new movement on TikTok started trending late last year and is continuing strong...masterdating! Now, be careful how you say that out loud, that's a whole other thing, although both deal with you doing it on your own. Masterdating is the growing movement in self-care. Basically, you commit to dating yourself, even in public. Ever taken yourself to the movies and splurged on yourself with the large popcorn that you didn't have to share? Congrats, You masterdated!

A masterdate is literally spending time with yourself, checking in with yourself as to how you are feeling, what your wants are, how you want to unwind, catering to your own needs, and being fine with that. It can be dinner out, it can be a hike on your own, it can even be planning a night with Netflix at home by yourself. The point is, is to cut out all distractions and having to cater to someone else's needs, and take that moment to love yourself. To get graphic, a more spiritual and longer-lasting masturbation session. LOL.

@zakbutler49 I’m dating myself and wouldn’t have it any other way #fyp #autumn #gay #single ♬ original sound - zakbutler

Think masterdating is easy? The funny thing, you can still say no to yourself and you can still break up with yourself. Some of us are not so confident in ourselves, or confident in spending time with ourselves, because we are so out of tune with what our needs are, and what might come up if we spend time self reflecting. Others of us gay men are also so embarrassed by the thought of being seen in public by ourselves because of the pressure to be in a relationship or be popular in a circle of friends is so high. Because of some of the acceptance issues and being ostracized by either family or society for being gay, we've come to fear being alone or have become co-dependent out of fear. Forcing yourself to go out alone might bring up some of the fears you didn't know you had so you can overcome them. What are your triggers? What do you really like to do? Who are you without the pressures of having to please someone?

@tylerkowta been really appreciating my time alone lately. don’t forget to take up space and give yourself grace #solodate #gay #nyc ♬ Ribbons - Ryan Beatty

Masterdating can also help you in the dating world with other men. We all know RuPaul's wise words about loving yourself, but it's true. If you don't know who you are, or how strong you can be on your own, how are you going to be a good partner with someone else? Also, if you don't have the confidence to be on your own and enjoy it, then you will probably ignore every type of red flag in order to just be with someone. Compromising yourself out of fear of being alone.

@maxrutlife one of the perks of being an adult: doing wutevrr u want sometimes !!! . . . #solodateideas #solodate #gayboylife #relatableaf #singersongwritersoftiktok ♬ imu. - Maxlife

As with everything, moderation is key. Don't go all hermit, but definitely set some time aside where you put the phone down, get off the hookup apps, tell your friends you aren't going partying that night, and spend some time with yourself. What do you have to lose? What do you have to gain?

@jovyarcher30 Today I just took myself on a Date ❤️❤️ on the West Puerto Rico #fyp #foryoupage #puertorico #paradise #man #bori #gay #selflove #selfcare #metime #hangout #tourism #karolg #muscleman ♬ Tá OK (Remix) - KAROL G - DENNIS & MC Kevin o Chris & Maluma & Karol G

Are you a good masterdater? Tell us your perfect date!

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.