Oh Hey! Welcome to my little corner of life: solo, but not alone

2026 marks ten years since my last major relationship ended, or should I say, since I ended it.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here though, those ten years have been littered with situationships, wtf-was-that-ships and far too many questionable first dates, that stupidly turned into second maybe-the-first-date-wasn’t-AS-bad-as-I’m-remembering-it dates.

(Spoiler: it’s always as bad as you remember it.)

Each one sharpened my ick reflex and reinforced a very important lesson, it’s far better to be alone than sit across from Rick, who passionately believes that feminism is ruining women’s choice to be stay at home mum’s and housewives or John, who describes what he does for work as “odd jobs here and there” before oversharing, on a first date btw, that he once became an “accidental pimp”.

I wish I could tell you I fabricated both those examples for the blog, but I didn't. I lived them.

Add to that well-meaning friends playing devil’s advocate by suggesting that maybe Rick miscommunicated, and maybe John was just nervous… Well, it’s no wonder those ten years have led me here.

To a point of independence where I no longer need another half to feel whole, and where solo dates have become a non-negotiable part of my self-care routine. That’s not to say I am completely averse to a relationship, I’m not filling out my application for the nunnery just yet, but it’s no longer the centre of my world.

What you can expect from Chelsea in Harrogate

Over the last decade, I’ve learned a lot about myself, my boundaries, and the quiet power of spending time alone. Most of all, I’ve learned that time alone is golden and that solo dates aren’t reserved for single people.

This blog may be written from my perspective as a self-proclaimed Single Pringle, but it’s for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable in their own company. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, married, a parent, or simply craving more space for yourself, this is a place for choosing you, without apology.

Here on Chelsea in Harrogate, you’ll find reflections on solo living, honest conversations about independence, and practical inspiration for spending time alone, rooted in life in Harrogate and across Yorkshire, but with plenty of room to wander further afield. The best local spots for drinks and dining alone (without feeling self-conscious), to solo travel experiences, routines, and reflections on everyday life, this blog is a gentle guide to enjoying your own company, wherever you are.

From solo moments in Harrogate to adventures further afield, I’ll be sharing what I’ve learnt and taking you with me as I continue to grow, imperfectly, honestly, and sometimes awkwardly.

Pull up a chair, there’s plenty more to come.