5 Things to Do Alone

Recently I was talking with my friend about how I had gone out to eat by myself and she was appalled. She wanted to know how I could just sit there by myself and eat. Honestly, I thought this was normal. At least it is for me. Before I was married, I often ate by myself. When I went out with other, especially those who were couples I always felt like the third wheel. So, I learned to just go on my on many times. 

When I travel for work many times I am at a hotel or restaurant alone. My friend asked if it felt odd or lonely. The truth is I have done it so much over the years that I think nothing of it. I have no problem being my own company. 

Being alone gives you so much more confidence, at least it does me. I mean you don’t want to look like the sad person who is sitting alone. You want to come off as you are alone by choice. Have an air of mystery about you. 

Not to mention all the creative ideas I get when I am sitting eating a meal alone. I don’t have to keep up conversation with anyone. I can alone my brain to shut off and just enjoy the moment. That is when most of the magic happens.  I can order whatever I want without judgement and savor each bite. 

I put together a list of things that you should try to do alone at least once. They are easy to do, and I think you will find that you enjoy yourself more than you ever thought you would. 

5 Things to Do Alone

1. GO TO THE MOVIES

What is the big deal about this? We are always waiting for someone else to go see a movie we want to see. Just go see it! If you are nervous about going at night alone, go during the day. Going to the movies alone means you don’t have to share your popcorn. In fact, an afternoon matinee is the perfect first step to doing things alone. There are no requirements to socialize with anyone. You just sit, watch the movie, and enjoy your snacks. 

2. VISIT A MUSEUM 

If you are nervous or worried about getting started with doing things alone this is another great way to begin. Museums tend to be quiet and let’s face it, most of the time it is hard to find people excited to go to one. That means you can wander around on your own or take the tour provided without having to entertain children or even adults who don’t want to be there.  Pick one that has exhibits you are passionate about or that you really want to see. Take the day and enjoy yourself. You will come out of this experience amazed that you never thought to go on your own before.

3. EAT AT A RESTAURANT

The thing that started this whole article. Pick a restaurant and go on your own. If you are concerned, do it at lunch. Bring a book if it would make you feel better. You don’t have to go to a fancy place. Also, lunch is great practice before heading to a place with a bar and sitting there alone. Honestly, I don’t recommend sitting at the bar alone, even in a five-star restaurant. You get hit on a lot, so unless that is what you are hoping for ask for a table if possible. One thing I don’t do when I am out eating alone is spend the time on my phone. It can be distracting for other eaters.

4. ATTEND A CONCERT OR FESTIVAL

If this is your thing, then head to one alone. My niece goes to concerts alone all the time. She makes all sorts of friends while she is there as well. This can be a bit dangerous, so make sure it is something you are comfortable with. A festival is a little easier in my opinion. Whenever I go to one alone, I do make sure I am a little more safety aware. I don’t wear my hair in a ponytail or carry my purse. Little things that make things easier. I would recommend you try this after you have master the previous three.

5. VOLUNTEER

Talk about the best thing to do on your own. This is perfect if you still like to be sociable but don’t have anyone who wants to do something with you. Just pick a place and volunteer. You will meet all sorts of new people. I always recommend this whenever a friend moves to a new city. This is the best way to meet neighbors or other people with the same interests as you. Not everything has to be completely alone the entire time.

Learn To Do Things Alone

Most people look at doing things alone as boring or something losers do. They wouldn’t dream of sitting in a restaurant alone. The truth is those are the same people that will judge you while you sit alone. They are small minded and don’t understand that you are choosing to be sitting there alone. I know because I used to be that person. The first time I went to a movie theater on my own I felt like such a loser. I just knew people were looking at me like I came to the senior prom alone. By the end of the movie, I could care less what people thought of me. I walked out of theater proud of myself. So much so that I did it again the next week. Being alone has never been a problem for me. I’m the girl who will take a vacation alone.

SMALL STEPS

When you first begin to do things alone it is important that you do so in small, baby steps. No need to do a world tour alone. Instead try going to the coffee shop and spend thirty minutes there alone. Maybe you just end up going to the grocery store without anyone in tow. Did it feel great? Step outside your comfort zone and give it a go.

HELLO OPTIMISM

While you may feel as though people are saying things like “look at that poor soul who all alone” it could be further from the truth. I have found that most people, waiter staff included, could care less that you are on your own. Go into whatever you are doing with the optimism that you will be fine. No one cares and you are going to have a good time.

LEAVING IS A OPTION

That is the best part. If you start whatever you are doing alone and find that you can’t do it or it just isn’t for you, you can just leave. Nothing and no one is forcing to complete the task. Whatever it may be. You can get up and walk out of that restaurant (after you pay of course) or just leave the museum tour. It is that simple and that easy.

GET MOTIVATED

Pick whatever you want to start with and set the goal of getting it done. Don’t just say “one day I am going to …” Instead put it on your calendar and make a plan. Get yourself motivated to actually go out and do whatever the solo task is you have set. Make a list of what you hope to gain by doing the task alone. Make a list of what scares you about it. Just get started in what ever way you feel is the first step for you.