Over the past few years, I have come to appreciate the idea of doing things alone. While I love hanging out with friends, sometimes, it can’t happen. Sometimes, you alone are interested in a certain activity, or all your friends are busy. It’s happened to me, and it has left me in situations that I never would have thought I’d be in; going solo.
But as it turns out, going solo isn’t always a bad thing. So below is a list of things that I have done alone and would highly recommend going solo for at least once:
Movies — This one is the most simple one, but it’s also one I was most nervous about doing. Why would someone go to a movie alone? Well…why not? I saw Moana and Christopher Robin in theaters alone, because I knew I wouldn’t be able find someone to see it with me before it left theaters. So I went by myself. And it was great. I enjoyed it just as much as I would if I had gone with a friend; probably more. Sometimes it’s nice to just chill by yourself in a cool movie theater. I also cried a lot during both movies, which is much less embarrassing when no one around you actually knows you.
Live Shows — I don’t want to call what I went to a “concert,” necessarily, because it was much smaller. Mary Bridget Davies, who played Janis Joplin in one of my favorite shows, A Night With Janis Joplin, came to Akron in my senior year of college. None of my friends knew who she was, and I didn’t want to try and convince any of them to come with me, so I went by myself. It was meant to be a small event; so small, in fact, that everything fit on the stage in the venue. I sat with strangers and listened to Mary Bridget Davies sing original songs and Janis songs, and afterwards, we got to meet her. I got her autograph and a picture. It was awesome. And if I had let the fact that no one else could go with me stop me, then I wouldn’t have this awesome memory. Plus, Davies kicks ass as Janis.
Walks — Plug in the headphones, turn on your favorite music, and get moving! Nothing is more fun than people watching.
Restaurants — Yes, admittedly, saying “just me” is a little weird at the host/hostess’ podium, but once seated, eating alone is totally fine. I usually set up my laptop or pull out a journal or a book to get work done. And, remarkably, people care a lot less about you being alone than one might initially think. And, again, it provides some solid people-watching time.
Obviously, venturing places alone can be anxiety-inducing and uncomfortable for some. But, if you’re willing to try it, I highly recommend it. And doing it just once can give you the confidence to try it again, and again, until it becomes second nature. Enjoy some time with the most important person in your life: you! (Cheesy, I know).
