'Will date myself again': IIT graduate CEO falls in love with himself after an evening by the lake

Economic Times

3 days ago

Harsh Pokharna, CEO and Co-founder of OkCredit, shared an Instagram post about spending a peaceful solo evening at Chandlai Lake, where he listened to music, met locals, and reflected quietly. Captioning it with "Will date myself again," the post highlighted the importance of self-love and mindfulness. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating his simple approach to self-care. His lifestyle choices, including clean living and remote work, reflect a growing trend of embracing solitude and prioritizing mental well-being.
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A Life Reimagined in Mysore
Dating Yourself: A Growing Trend In Self-Love
In a world where professional milestones often take precedence, Harsh Pokharna—Co-Founder and CEO of OkCredit and an IIT Kanpur graduate—reminded his followers of something far more personal: the power of solitude and self-appreciation. A recent Instagram post by Harsh has garnered widespread attention, not for a startup achievement or investment update, but for a deeply reflective moment of self-love.Documenting his solo outing to Chandlai Lake near Jaipur, Harsh shared a carousel of images along with a short, yet meaningful note. 'Yesterday I decided to take myself out,' the caption began, unfolding the quiet details of his day—music on loop, conversations with locals, stillness by the water, a return with dusty shoes and a light heart. He concluded with a line that struck a chord with many: '10/10. Will date myself again.'The post received an overwhelmingly warm response. Comments poured in with emojis, hearts, and short notes appreciating the post's simplicity. Some followers shared that they've also made a habit of doing similar solo activities and recommended it wholeheartedly. Others pointed out the inspiring nature of Harsh's minimal lifestyle, calling it 'great feeling' and '100% recommended.'Harsh's Instagram bio mirrors the philosophy captured in the post—it reads: 'Wild, minimalist, nomad (Currently in Jaipur).'This isn't the first time Harsh has documented his personal growth through solo experiences. In an earlier post from Mysore, where he spent a month living alone, he outlined a slow-paced lifestyle filled with clean eating, dance classes, gym routines, and occasional weekend drives to Bangalore. That period also included moments of reconnecting with old hobbies like programming and trying jackfruit for the first time—despite being over 30 years old.He summed up the experience by expressing deep gratitude for the flexibility remote work offers, allowing him to explore new cities while maintaining a productive rhythm. 'It's a privilege I'm truly grateful for, every day,' he wrote.As per As per Verywell Mind, psychologists and mental health professionals often encourage the idea of 'dating yourself' as a way to cultivate self-love and inner stability. The concept is built around intentionally spending quality time with oneself, learning what brings personal joy, and creating space for reflection. Experts say it enhances emotional well-being, builds self-esteem, and can improve future relationships.Self-care, mindfulness , and gratitude are key aspects of this practice. Taking oneself on outings—like dining solo, visiting a museum, or walking in nature—can deepen self-awareness. The aim is not indulgence but connection, a way to listen to one's own needs without distractions or societal pressure.In a fast-paced culture often focused on productivity and social validation, Pokharna's quiet lakeside evening serves as a reminder of the value of solitude. His post wasn't about loneliness but about intentional alone time — the kind that clears the mind and lightens the heart.