I’ve always been someone that is happy in my own company. As much as I love time with my husband, and my family and friends, I also need time to myself. I am happy to do most things alone, but there are some things that I feel uncomfortable doing alone, and I wonder if that is down to me and my personality, or down to what we see as socially acceptable?
Sometimes we have no choice but to go it alone due to circumstances. Sometimes we may avoid experiences because we are scared of doing them alone. And sometimes we can feel liberated by doing something alone that we didn’t think we could.
Would you be happy going solo on any of the activities below? Would you be stepping out of your comfort zone to do so, or would you find it easy?
Coffee in a cafe
I think the rise of smartphone use has made this one a normal part of life now. Hybrid and flexible working means the hospitality industry is benefiting from solo customers who may work for the morning from their establishment. I regularly sit in a cafe by myself and work.
Transport
When I was a teenager I had a friend who wouldn’t get on the Bus first. She used to get on after me, so all she had to say to the bus driver was “same please”. I’ve always been happy to travel solo, whether that’s driving, trains or buses. I have flown solo on a domestic flight, but I would be happy to do so on an international flight too. I’ve navigated big cities transport systems alone and I am confident doing so. But other people are not. I have another friend who refuses to ever catch a train alone because she is so worried she will miss her stop. Travelling anywhere solo doesn’t bother me, although I would only travel in daylight for safety reasons.
Cinema
I have never done this alone and at first I thought no way. Lee Evans “Just the one ticket please” comedy sketch comes to mind. But actually if there was something I really wanted to see and we couldn’t get a sitter, I would go it alone. Plus chances are if I really want to see it, then the husband definitely won’t! Although the thought of being home alone and watching it on my sofa is far more appealing. At least then I can wear my PJ’s, and the snacks aren’t overpriced! I think that says more about my personality though.
Restaurant
This one is a no for me. For two reasons. Firstly if I am staying in a hotel alone, I relish that alone time. I am quite happy ordering room service and watching trash TV with a face mask on. I have no desire to visit a busy restaurant. But secondly, if room service were not available, I would rather walk to a shop and buy a sandwich than eat in a restaurant alone. It just feels like such a social thing to do, I don’t think I could do it solo.
Holiday
Solo holidays are on the rise. 58% per cent of millennials worldwide are willing to travel alone, compared to 47% per cent of older generations. If I were single this is something I would consider, and there are solo holidays companies like Shearings that would make me feel safer, and happier knowing that I was with other solo travellers. Why should you miss out on breaks away and seeing the world? I think going solo on this one would be the most liberating and confidence boosting experience.
Hobby / Class
I took part in a Greatest Showman singing workshop a few years ago. To be honest I felt a bit silly asking any friends if they wanted to join me. It would have been easy to dismiss it and miss out, but I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and turned up alone. There was a mixture of people who had gone with friends, people who knew each other from attending the sessions previously, and people, like me, who had gone solo. Everyone was lovely and not knowing anyone actually gave me a bit more confidence when it came to the singing part! I loved it, and would do it again. If you have a hobby or something you love why should you miss out?
So what stops you, if anything, from going solo? Is it a personality thing, or is it societal expectations and pressures? Let me know in the comments when you have stepped out of your comfort zone and done something alone. Let me know how it felt.
This is a collaborative post
Leave a Reply