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Would you go to a movie alone? How independent are you really?

Would you go to a movie alone? How independent are you really?
Carly Jacobs

Alone

Image

Yesterday, Mr Smaggle and I found ourselves awake at 8.30am on a Sunday  so after a quick karaoke session of John Farnham’s ‘You’re the Voice’ in the shower we dashed out of the house and were settled at a 9.30am session before we knew it.

I’m a total people watcher (voyeur) and I noticed that there were at least five women who were at the movies alone. This fascinates me for two reasons.

a) I think it’s really weird when people see movies alone.

b) I think it’s even weirder that I think this because movies are easily the least social activity that any gathering of people could undertake.

You basically sit in silence next to each other for two hours so it makes perfect sense to go alone. Yet at the age of 27 I have never seen a movie alone. I have also never eaten in a restaurant alone. I don’t mean grabbing a bite in a food court I mean eating in a proper restaurant with menus where you can’t really read a book or play on your phone. I have so much admiration for people but excluding isolated solo overseas travel incidences it’s unlikely that I will ever see a movie without a buddy.

My question to you is… would you see a movie alone? Or eat in a restaurant alone? Or have you already?

I might just set a little goal this year to take myself on a solo lady date – the question is would I like dinner or a movie? Or both?

Love

Smaggle

x

P.S Do follow me on Twitter or like me on Facebook. It makes me very happy!

82 Comments

  1. ScribblesNZ 13 years ago

    I’ve seen a movie alone – several actually. I used to live on my own in an apartment in the city and Sunday night was the acceptable night to go to the movies by yourself. I mainly watched a whole bunch of girly chick flicks that I was too embarrassed to ask anyone to come with me 🙂 The worst movie alone would have to have been “Australia” – I don’t care how hot Hugh Jackman is, that movie DRAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGED

  2. Samantha Kimble 13 years ago

    Yes, yes, and more yes. I have have gone to the movies alone and got out to eat by myself and sometimes it is a relief. I don’t have to worry about getting to the movie on time, listen to a chatty friend during a movie, or share my popcorn. And sometimes it is nice just to have some me time and have a peaceful meal by myself.

  3. Michelle Locke 13 years ago

    I eat at restaurants alone a lot! I don’t eat fast food, so when I drive between my parents home and college, and I have to stop and eat, I usually stop at a restaurant. It does not seem weird to me at all. I have never been to a movie alone, but I can imagine myself going alone and having fun. :]

    XO Michelle

  4. Nessbow 13 years ago

    I’ve done both. I find eating in a restaurant a little more daunting than seeing a movie though. I get really bored while I’m waiting for my food to arrive, because if I were there with a friend or boyfriend, I’d be using this time to chat to them. Once the meal is on the table, I’m fine, but the waiting kills me.

    I actually spend quite a bit of time alone. I’m perfectly happy with my own company, and if there’s a movie I want to see, a restaurant I want to visit or a store I want to check out, I’ll happily go alone. It’s quite freeing not to be always worrying about whether your companions are having a good time or whether they’re enjoying the meal. Plus, if you get bored or your meal is shithouse, you can just up and leave whenever you feel like it.

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      See this is where I’m weird about it. I LOVE my own company, more than I should. It’s just movies and solo fancy dining that get me.

  5. Harlow 13 years ago

    When I was in highschool there were days when I REALLY didn’t feel like going to school, so I went to the movies instead. None of my friends were brave enough to play truant so I had to entertain myself hanging out somewhere all day seeing as I couldn’t go home. It never really occurred to me that going to the movies by myself was weird back then, and I don’t think it does now. I mean when you’re sitting in a dark theatre it’s not as if people can see you’re alone and whisper about you being the Norman No Friends in the corner! I also kind of don’t like it if the person I’m with is constantly trying to talk to me during the film – I have a lot of friends who have a bad habit of talking during the film and asking “who’s that meant to be? what’s going on? I’m confused!”

    Dinner by myself, that’s different. It really depends on the place – if it’s crowded, whether the seating is open or there are nice closed in booths to dissapear into. It’s more of a case of not wanting to be bothered by people, I feel like people are going to be more likely to annoy me if I’m not in deep conversation with someone else. It’s why I hate going shopping by myself – I absolutely can’t stand it when I’m alone and shop assistants try to have conversations with me!

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      Urgh! I HATE movie talkers. Movie munchers are worse though.

  6. Fiona 13 years ago

    I haven’t been to the movies alone. Hell I feel bad watching a DVD alone!

  7. Fiona 13 years ago

    I haven’t been to the movies alone. Hell I feel bad watching a DVD alone!

  8. Aprill Allen 13 years ago

    I would totally go to a move alone. And I have, several times. Going to a restaurant alone is a bit different, though.

  9. Hayleyb 13 years ago

    I couldn’t wait for my brother to get home from a work trip away so broke tradition and saw one of the Harry Potter movies by myself. He’s never let me forget my disloyalty however!

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      I have a Harry Potter friend and would be KILLED if I tried to pull that shit. He should make you suffer forever! x

  10. Ashley 13 years ago

    I don’t have any friends in the area, so if I want to see movies at the theater, I don’t have much choice. It’s kind of nice to find the one prime seat in the theater, exactly where you want.

  11. Nicole 13 years ago

    I love going to the movies by myself. It’s lovely to sit there with a coffee and something yummy to eat while watching a movie that you chose 🙂 As much as I love going to the movies on a date with my hubby/with friends etc it’s nice to take yourself on a lady date. If you haven’t done anything like that before maybe start off with either a movie or a dinner.

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      I’m definitely keen on a solo movie. It’s on my to do list.

  12. niki 13 years ago

    I love movies and while I haven’t gone solo in a while, I have done and definitely will again.
    When I was a teenager I hated that all my friends talked through the movie, it spoiled the experience. Then this one time my cousin cancelled on me last minute and I saw Baz’s Romeo+Juliet by myself. It was so liberating! I wondered why I’d never done it before. I’ve eaten alone at a restaurant a few times, mainly when I finish work late.

  13. Nadist 13 years ago

    I love going to the movies by myself! (It had never even occurred to me until now that it might be considered odd.) It’s ‘me-time’ – no one talks to me and I can cry my eyes out to my heart’s content. Oh, and I LOVED ‘Australia’ – surely I can’t be the only person who did?? (PS I’m not Australian.)

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      Ha! Yeah there’s a crazy bitch in the theatre judgeing you! And I haven’t seen Australia… just can’t be arsed.

  14. Melanie M 13 years ago

    I’ve done both. I’ve done the movie thing a few times over the years. Sometimes I’ll have a girlie “me” day. I’ll go shopping or to a park with a book or out for ice cream or something and then a chick flick. I love it.

    Dinner at a real restaurant is a little more tricky, but can be fun. I decided to take a solo trip to Spain a couple years back, so to prepare I went for a few solo dinners and brunches beforehand. It ended up being quite relaxing and even empowering in a way. And my favourite dinner ever ended up being on that trip. I got dressed up to the nines and went to a fancy restaurant for a leisurely and decadent meal. I’ll never forget that.

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      I’m all about the park reading. x

  15. Claire Stephens 13 years ago

    I see most of my movies alone as either I can’t wait to see them or friends don’t have the same taste in movies. The restaurant thing is a little tricker….at least at the movies it is dark and you really can’t see people and vice versa. I managed the restaurant thing alone whilst travelling solo in the US……….other than that I stick to cafes…..little less weird to eat in them alone!!

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      I’m the same, I can do it overseas but don’t really see the point in Oz. Would rather have the company!

  16. Kitty 13 years ago

    Totally. I go all the time by myself. I love it. I can pick the movie I want to see (no compromisation) and there are no complaints about bad acting or plots in chick flicks. It’s also nice “alone” time. I don’t have to be social or make nice conversation. I really enjoy it. I also don’t mind going to a cafe by myself and having a tea or coffee, sometimes even lunch. I can catch up on my trashy reading and enjoy some peace and quiet in what is most of the time a very hectic life!

  17. Ashleah 13 years ago

    i used to go to the movies by myself a lot more when i was a teenager and when i first moved out of home when i lived alone, it was great for a break from living in a tiny apartment! but i cant remember the last time i did go alone, but i really dont go to the movies with other people as much anymore either.

  18. Tara G 13 years ago

    Yep and Yep. I travel a lot for work, so I’ve had to get used to going to restaurants by myself (otherwise I’d never eat anything nice!) It was a bit weird at first, you do feel pretty self-conscious, but you get over it pretty quickly. Same with movies, I started when I was away as a break from work, now I do it all the time if there’s something I want to see that no one else does.

  19. Jords 13 years ago

    I love going to the movies alone. You can see the movie you want, at the time you want, snack on what you want. It’s brilliant. And sitting at a restaurant, sipping a wine and slowly eating a meal while you read a book, or just watch the world go by is a pleasure. You should try it.

  20. Sarj 13 years ago

    I’ve been the movies on my own many, many times – mostly because I refuse to miss out on a movie that I want to see just because none of my friends want to see it.

    I’ve also eaten in restaurants by myself. The last time I did this was in London when I took myself out for a date – I ate a three course meal with wine in a lovely French restaurant before I went to the theatre and saw Priscilla Queen of the Desert live on stage! Best solo date night ever!!

  21. CandyWarhol 13 years ago

    I think it’s got a lot to do with being comfortable with your own company. I love going to the movies alone, and have eaten alone too and often go to concerts alone too. I have friends who won’t do things on their own, but well, they’re missing out! I’d rather see a movie/band alone than miss out and be sad about it.

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      Yeah I’m like that with theatre!

  22. Magatha May 13 years ago

    I love going to movies on my own – I always want to go to the movies at the most inappropriate times so no one else will go with me. I do find that when I go on my own I always need a big scarf to wrap around me cause I’m a little colder without someone beside me.

    I’ve also gone to gigs on my own, not as much fun as the movies alone but still not too bad. Dinner on my own? I get cold sweats juts thinking about it, just can’t do it.

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      Wow gigs on your own? That’s awesome.

  23. LisaD 13 years ago

    I’ve been to see a few films on my own, mainly because as other people said, friends didn’t want to see the films or times weren’t convenient. I actually went to see SATC2 on my own, on my day off. It was a 2pm showing and I was the only person in the whole screening (and it was a big theatre!) – that felt a bit weird!

  24. astrid 13 years ago

    I also love to go to the movies by myself. Im pretty comfortable spending time by myself. You can see whatever movie you like, go at whatever time you like, grab the snacks you like. The first time I did it I was a little nervous but now it doesnt worry me at all. I’ll also happily eat out at a cafe by myself but a full on restaurant might be a little more of a challenge.

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      I certainly do cafes! I love a good coffee while I write.

  25. Carly Bon 13 years ago

    Oh you must go solo – esp. the flicks. It’s the best. I regularly slam 2 or 3 movies in a day – it is one of my favourite things to do. Food is more of a social one, but on a lady-date with myself, why not blow $50 on an amazing meal and a glass of wine and savour every bite. After a kick-ass manicure or a night at the theatre….I dare you xx carly

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      Dare accepted! Although to be honest I’ve been to the theatre heaps on my own. I feel like it’s different. I can rent a DVD or eat a restaurant anytime but I will truly miss out if I don’t see theatre on my own.

  26. Miss Peregrin 13 years ago

    I love going to movies by myself! That way I get to see exactly what I want, no one complains about anything, and I get all the snacks to myself, haha. More seriously though, most of my friends live fairly far apart, and we don’t get to see each other that often. So when we do, we’re not wasting good gossiping time somewhere that we aren’t allowed to talk. My boyfriend doesn’t really like the whole “going to the movies” as an activity – he’s much more of an outdoorsy type. So when I want to go, it’s easier to organise to go alone.

    As for restaurants, I like to have a good conversation while I’m waiting for a meal, so I’d rather not eat alone. Eating out seems like much more of a social activity to me, so I don’t think I would do it on my own – especially not if it was the kind of establishment that would frown upon me reading a book at the table. What else am I supposed to do by myself? Stare into space while I wait for my meal? I don’t think so.

    • Author
      Smaggle 13 years ago

      I really would just rather for DVD. Also most of my mates are film buffs and Mama Smaggle is a movie whore so I’m never short of people to go with.

  27. Ann 13 years ago

    the movie? Yes, absolutely, I do it all the time. Sometimes I just want to squeal over certain actors without feeling embarrassed, shed a couple of tears, or get lost in a picture tzhat none of my friends want to see.
    The restaurant, not so much. I would feel super lonely and even more self conscious than I do already in restaurants.
    So take yourself out to a movie, I think it’s a totally different experience!

  28. dr stumpy 13 years ago

    Movie – for sure, in fact one of the first movies I saw without Mum or Dad taking me, was totally solo. It was Driving Miss Daisy at Electric Shadows (because I was about 11 and surprisingly none of the kids in my year 6 class wanted to see a total old lady film). Caught the 234 bus there by myself and everything.

    Dinner – only overseas.

  29. tinawheeze 13 years ago

    I remember the first time I went to see a movie solo, I must have been about 17. I was in Sydney (not my hometown) and had an afternoon to kill waiting for my brother and aunt to get back from the cricket so I wandered up to the local cinema and caught a film (oddly enough, I can’t remember what it was though). The realisation that it was possible was kind of liberating and I’ve been solo many times since.

    You’ve got to pick your moment and your movie though. After I broke up with a long term boyfriend I went to see Changeling and that was a terrible idea — I walked out afterwards feeling horribly bereft and miserable. But recently I went and saw Burlesque on my own because I knew my current man wouldn’t want to see it and that was fun. Also, watching Mamma Mia in a cinema full of middle aged ladies who laughed every time Pierce Brosnan opened his mouth was an experience.

    So yes, do it (though I think you’ve established now that you will).

    Dining solo — occasionally out of necessity. And even if it’s a restaurant, I’ve never got a dirty look at pulling a book out of the handbag.

  30. Reyna 13 years ago

    Oh I love the movies by myself! It is delightful to sit in a quiet theatre in the early afternoon with some yummy treats. I’ve started to dislike seeing movies with others…

  31. LaLa 13 years ago

    I quite enjoy a bit of solo lady-time and going to the flicks by myself is great. You really get to make up your own mind about a film without being influenced by other people’s thoughts.

    I’ve dined alone as well and after getting over my initially feeling like I stuck out like a sore thumb, I actually enjoyed it.

    I equally enjoy going with my lover and friends but sometimes it’s nice to be quiet and still my yappy mind up.

  32. The Mumma 13 years ago

    I think the point of going to the movies with somebody is the conversation about the movie immediately afterwards. I’ve never gone on my own, but that’s mostly because I’ve always thought of it as a treat to share with friends. Plus going to the cinema is really expensive. I’ve thought about it a few times though, especially now my son is in school. I have been tempted to go about see a day time session on one of my “work from home” days. I still haven’t done it though.

  33. nikkiana 13 years ago

    I’ve honestly never been much of a movie in the theater type of person, so I attribute my never going alone to never having it occur to me to do alone in the first place.

    However, I do end up eating alone quite frequently. I find that’s more something I do because I like to eat good food that someone else made more than I like to cook rather than actually liking the solo experience.

  34. Anonymous 13 years ago

    When I was younger, I read in one of the magazines (I think it was the local version of Seventeen) that there’s nothing sadder than watching the movies in the theatre alone. I humphed, because I PREFER going to the cinema on my own. So yes, I’ve seen movies alone, and I’ve been to restaurants on my own. I noticed, though, that some waiters (but they’re rare) consider it part of their job to raise an eyebrow when they ask me if anyone’s going to be joining me later and I answer with a ‘no’. I’m a bitter old lady 😛 so I raise an eyebrow back and sweetly ask if their place only serves couples and groups.

  35. Anonymous 13 years ago

    I not only did go to the movies alone on several occasions (although I greatly prefer to go with company, to make snarky remarks while the film is running and chat about it afterwards), but I found myself *all alone* in the whole movie theater on two instances. One was at age 15, seeing “The Rock” with Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage, the other one was age 28 seeing a teen’s film adaption of a book I loved as a teenager (Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt, if you’re curious). Strangely, I found the second time around to be much creepier than the first, and switched seats twice during the movie. Maybe because I had seen a lot more of 90’s horror movies by then, haha!

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  36. Shawna G 13 years ago

    i started doing it when i was backpacking solo! movies waaay before restaurant though. and i still read books at a resto, while waiting for the food to arrive. weirdest was having literally an entire theatre to myself for a matinee!

  37. I love this idea! I too have never eaten at reasonable restaurant (work-travel meals aside) or gone to a movie alone…I think that’s a great challenge for this year!

  38. Bec 13 years ago

    I love going to movies alone! I have been married for 10 years and have 3 kids so 2 hours of uninterrupted me time is bliss! Once I was in a movie with friends and this girl came in alone and sat beside me, she was eating McDonalds and kept offering me her food like we were friends… It was hilarious! She was all “do you want a chip?” then she offered me some of her sundae! When the movie ended she almost ran out the doors before the lights came on.

  39. Kasey 13 years ago

    Going to a movie alone is one of my most favorite things to do. Though I don’t do it nearly as often as I would like.

  40. Starr 13 years ago

    I LOVE going to the movies alone. I don’t go at night, only during the day. But I love it. You don’t have to share your popcorn, no one drinks your soda, no one talks during the movie. And no one laughs at you when you cry over the sappy parts. I only go to “girlie” movies or “tear jerkers” alone but I really love it! You really should give it a try!
    I don’t think I would enjoy dining alone. I will prepare myself a special meal at home when I am alone (which is not often) and I really enjoy that.

  41. snapdragon 13 years ago

    i used to live with a guy who thought i was mad for seeing movies alone. Arent you scared someone will come and erect a sign behind you saying ‘this person has no friends’? Ha Ha.

    I love seeing movies by myself. It’s giving time to yourself to indulge. Recoup. Soak something up with no interruptions, no compromise over what movie you are going to see, no waiting for someone else to arrive. It’s totally cool.

  42. Lisa 13 years ago

    I LOVE taking myself off to the flicks for a solo cinematic session, and have done so since I left home … 28 years ago. There’ve been a variety of reasons: from living in new cities to working weird shifts and only having time off when all my friends are at work. Watching as a one allows you to stretch out mentally and be completely transported. But most of all, just because I get a kick out of seeing films on a big screen, so long as it’s a big screen in the funky surrounds of an indie theatre. Can’t stand chain multiplexes with their popcorn stench. If you’re new to solo lady dating, I suggest you start off in the daytime – it can be a bit intimidating arriving at a hipster-filled cinema at 9pm on a Saturday night – much less so when it’s quieter. My dad won’t go to the movies at all on his own though – he’s worried people will think he’s Johnny No Mates. I say, live a little. Who cares what anyone else thinks? (admittedly, I find it more difficult to do this in restaurants – I do eat out on my own but find it a bit more confronting. Making friends with the wait-staff helps.)

  43. tamara 13 years ago

    I can’t stand going to the movies with anyone! In fact, I prefer to do most things alone. I just have a clearer view of the reality of things. Everything feels clearer and sharp when I’m alone.

  44. Amanda 13 years ago

    I go to movies alone all the time. I’m single in a new town with no social network, so it makes no sense to miss out… I just play Angry Birds on my iphone until the movie starts 🙂

  45. Lucy N 13 years ago

    I definitely go to the movies alone. It started when I was thirteen or so, and if we went to the movies as a family, I’d have no interest in what they were seeing, so I’d take myself off to a different theatre and leave them to whatever sappy movie my Mum had picked while I happily amused myself with the horror/action films that were out.

    Haven’t been to a restaurant alone though, not because it scares me really, but because I’m not actually a fan of making meals a big thing. I only go out for a meal because I ant to socialise. Otherwise, I’m happy with my salad and pasta at home, thanks.

  46. Shell 13 years ago

    I work at a movie theater and I see heaps of people go on their own, I don’t find it strange at all. I see movies all the time because staff get a big discount on tickets so I end up being by myself for nearly all the movies I see. I think being able to do things solo is empowering, and when I see a fellow person in the cinema who is on their own I think kudos to them. I must admit I have eaten out alone and have felt a bit self conscious, but at the same time it feels like you are taking yourself on a little adventure. I have also gone to a music festival and a few gigs by myself that others didn’t want to go to, and I’m glad I did because each time I either got to meet the band or be close to the stage. I think it takes balls to do stuff on your own, I know people that won’t do anything by themselves and I think its a shame.

    • empower ceo 11 years ago

      u inspired me ,Shell

  47. Susan Price Wolf 13 years ago

    I treated myself to a lovely dinner at a Thai restaurant when I was alone at a conference in a different state.  Best.  Curry.  Ever.  I haven’t seen a movie alone, but I’m planning to change that today.  I’ve been away from home all weekend for a family wedding, and I just HAVE to see the last Harry Potter movie.  I can’t stand it another moment!  Plus, it would be nice to get away from the insanity for a while…

  48. Abdul 12 years ago

    I surfing the internet and googling about being alone and having no friends when I come to this page. the reason is that am feeling so alone these days that I stay in my bed all day. this isn’t the first time to have this feeling it come in weekends and holidays when I find no one to go out and do things I like with. I like to go to the movies, restaurants  and travel  but I hate to do it alone but at the extreme downturn I start to tell my self that I would go and do the things I like regardless. and when I go out alone I start to get  anxious about what would the people think of me and my biggest worry is if i’am going to meet some one that I know and I will see that look of pity in their eyes , one of the restaurant owners that I go to came and ask me about why I come alone and not with a girl . my answer to the question is that I have been to the movies, restaurant and travel alone, and its not my choice.

    • guest 12 years ago

      Abdul, don’t feel like you are alone out there. I have similar situation, travel internationaly freelance alot, have no one with me friend family or other wise. I tried the same thing going out doing things I normally wouldn’t alone. Felt weird at first and even more lonely seeing couples and groups all around me. I finaly got over it by doing 2 things. First, stop caring if you get weird looks, second, look for meetup groups wherever you are traveling to be with people. All cities have them, some even are posted under need company or social anxiety groups, which may sound like prostitution or mental disorder groups, but are usually just for people like us that want human interaction. Lastly, I know how you feel about not wanting to get out of bed all day. DO!!! Get a job a hobby, something that forces you to get up and out, or it will only get worse, trust me on that. Hope you get this message and it helps.

  49. Joyblossom 12 years ago

    Ever since I started driving, Ive been going every place imaginable alone. I actually prefer going to movies alone because the people I normally go with like to make annoying commentary that I feel detracts from the experience. I go to sit down restaurants alone too. Just went to Olive Garden yesterday and ordered their delicious tiramisu 🙂 So yes, I can do just about anything alone, even though I may feel self conscious at times. It makes me feel independent and glad that I can find enjoyment in life without people constantly accompanying me. 

  50. Troy 12 years ago

    for me looking down on people who go to the movies themselves is sort of like looking down on people who work at fast food places. People who work at fast food places are just trying to get some cash. They`re trying to make it in this world like anyone else. It bothers me how people can be snobs about that. As for people who go to the movies themselves. They`re just trying to see a movie they`ve want to see. They`re just trying to enjoy there afternoon or evening. Even if someone going to the movies on there own might say something about how socially active they are it still really bothers me that people can look down on them for trying to go out and enjoy themselves. And if you think about it rationally there isn`t really any reason to go to the movies with friends unless your one of those jerks that talks during the whole movie.

  51. Funnymerc 12 years ago

    Many a time have I been to the cinema alone and I love it! It’s what I like to do so why should I worry about whether someone will make a snide comment – I’ll just see their name and report them 🙂 but my cinema are so friendly! I have seen too many to count and I intend to watch many more. It gives me independance and so I’m not living in fear of what people might think. It also means I can sit where I want, it gives me control!

  52. Ayoubvicky 12 years ago

    I am a big reader and could easily read while alone at a restaurant. I’ve never watched a movie alone as I get self conscious ordering a ticket for one. Also, when the movie is over who do you talk to about how awesome or crap the movie was?

  53. Nkemnwabunie 12 years ago

    i just saw two movies alone for the first time tonight and it was not sad or pathetic in any way. The only bad side to doing this was watching a scary movie with no one i know close to me and it did get a bit lonely. the other movie i watched was a comedy and it was fun! not much difference between going alone and going with people. The restaurant situation might be pathetic….never tried it. 

  54. Anonymous 12 years ago

    People who think it’s “weird” to do things alone are usually quite naive and insecure. The most confident people don’t need to wait on friends and family to tag along with them… they just go wherever they please. Time for people to kill the stigma associated with doing things alone… it’s perfectly normal.

  55. guest 12 years ago

    I went to a 2 hatted fine dining restaurant the other week ALL BY MYSELF. Awkward at first, and I did take a book but I felt so independent aftward. I can do anything by myself now.

  56. Amelia Gardner 12 years ago

    I have never, ever gone anywhere alone. Sometimes I think that when I go to collage what am I gonna do I always go out with family and sometimes with friends on a Saturday.

  57. Steven 11 years ago

    It is sad how we make this stereo type and make others feel rejected.
    I have no one to go out with and when I want to go alone I start getting worried.
    Only things that get me out are sports, work, reading and doing my personal shopping.

    I have lots of talent and a 35 year old and I feel life rather lonely and empty. Sometimes I do have plans to go to the club and have fun and I do feel strange about how people look at me or may see me.

    There was once a time I been to the club with my cousin and after 30 minutes of being there he disappeared. I was left alone for a bit and then I started feeling worried standing there alone. My self conscious mind started thinking and after few minutes a colleague of mine saw me with great surprise and he said to me why are you alone and I replied well I am here with me cousin. After another 45 minutes he came back asking me and you are still alone. I answered does it really matter, I am here to have a good time. He replied dude – you are not that type to be alone because you have the characteristic that most of us are looking for.
    From now on I said to myself a club is not for me. I decided to spend money on sports and leisure and associating with my relatives because those are the only people that come to my aid when things happen.

    Life is lonely and cold and our stereo type mentality does affect the we think or act.
    People should start understanding that it is not our choice.
    We all have reasons..

    Thanks

  58. Est 11 years ago

    Your post struck a chord but i love going movies alone. It sorta gives you time to ponder and appreciate the movie. I’ve gone on dates myself too at a fancy restaurant. It’s spiritually satisfying, well at least to me.:) but don’t get me wrong. I enjoy social time but in a busy world, we need to slow down and spend time with ourselves.:)

  59. Elise 11 years ago

    I see movies by myself quite happily, but then I do work in a cinema so I’m pretty comfortable in that environment! Eating wise, again I’m fine going to McDonalds and the like myself, but I may feel slightly awkward in an actual restaurant alone…not because I think other people will think I’m a loser but more because I like to look around and be nosy and I think that can be slightly intrusive in a restaurant, like watching people eat is creepy or something! Think it’s about time I tried this… I mostly prefer my own company though so most things I’m just used to doing on my own anyway 🙂

  60. Lou Pardi 11 years ago

    I used to not like going to things alone – then I moved to WA by myself and did everything alone- movies, dinner, beach, dance class, theatre – and I fell in LOVE with it… took me a few more years before I could head into a proper restaurant on a Saturday night solo but now I don’t think twice. In fact when I think about dating I get a little anxious. Because I am the best date ever – my movie, my restaurant… what’s not to love? practice practice.

  61. Lou Pardi 11 years ago

    I used to not like going to things alone – then I moved to WA by myself and did everything alone- movies, dinner, beach, dance class, theatre – and I fell in LOVE with it… took me a few more years before I could head into a proper restaurant on a Saturday night solo but now I don’t think twice. In fact when I think about dating I get a little anxious. Because I am the best date ever – my movie, my restaurant… what’s not to love? practice practice.

    • Lou Pardi 11 years ago

      oh, and when I was first getting used to restaurants alone, I used to look around and count how many people I was happier alone than with – like the sulky couple, the ratty kids, the boring dudes… juvenile but useful.

    • Lou Pardi 11 years ago

      oh, and when I was first getting used to restaurants alone, I used to look around and count how many people I was happier alone than with – like the sulky couple, the ratty kids, the boring dudes… juvenile but useful.

  62. Whats That 11 years ago

    I have already went to movies alone, and its okay for me since im used to being alone.

  63. ren 10 years ago

    i go the the cinema at least once a week alone, and i am a 20 year old female. it is honestly better alone

  64. mplo 8 years ago

    I go to the movies alone, a great deal, especially since most of my friends and families aren’t as into going to the movies as I am, either because of their busy schedules, or they’re just plain not that much into movies. I don’t mind going solo to the movies, though, in fact, it’s fun to go with other people on occasion, also.

    My all time favorite film is the great, golden oldie-but-keeper of a classic, West Side Story, which, with the exception of one Sunday afternoon screening of this film at a cinema in our area back in mid-March of 2001 due to its direct conflict with my dad’s memorial, I have NEVER missed an opportunity to see the film West Side Story in an independent repertory movie theatre in our area, or to make special road trips to neighboring states in order to see it. When it’s on TV, on the TCM channel, I seldom miss it.

    Most times, I end up going to screenings of movies (especially West Side Story) alone, but sometimes I go with family and/or friends, and have just as much fun.

    I know…I know…It may strike some people weird that I get so excited over a 55 year old movie, but that’s how I am.

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