As an adult I have been in and out of relationships. I have friends that can go out at a moment's notice, and some who you just can't schedule time far enough in advance. But what should I do when I want to go out and no one's available?
I first started going out to the movies on my own when I was in high school. There was a movie that I loved (and no, I'm not going to name the movie here), and I went and saw it at least 10 times. Now, there was just no way I was going to find that many people willing to go see it with me, so I would just go alone. But a meal is different. You can be pretty anonymous at the movies. It's dark.
A restaurant is a completely different animal. You're sitting there for everyone to see. At a table for 2, setting for 1. Always feels like you get seated at the worst table in the place, stuck in a corner by the bathroom, or in the middle of the room. And most of the time it's just not worth it. You end up in some generic eating establishment with (at best) average food. So do you go? I don't. Not for average, but I don't think twice about going out on my own.
I grab a book, sometimes an mp3 player and headphones, and go out the door. It's liberating. I don't have to wait to see if someone wants to go out with me. I don't need to work around another person's schedule. I don't have to try and accomodate another person's taste or where they want to go. I get to choose! And that is pretty liberating. I have gotten over the fear of being out there alone. I used to wonder what kind of impression I was making. The book and headphones were something of a barrier to protect me from what others might thing. Now, it's a part of what I do. I get to relax and enjoy a meal of my choice with a book, taking my time to really enjoy what I'm having. I love to sit at the bar or counter if I can. I don't want to take a table if I don't need to and I get to watch what's going on, especially at some of the smaller local places around here. And I find that I am not denying myself company. I usually end up talking with someone else who's sitting at the bar/counter. You don't usually lean over to the next table and ask how they're enjoying their meal, do you?
I do know that this is now my second post about being single and doing something alone, but I want to say that there is nothing wrong with going out on your own. Nothing to be afraid of. I guess I could make more of an effort to have company. I could reach out to my friends a little more often and ask if they would like to join me, but I don't let not having a "date" stop me. It's good to take the time for yourself, and you never know who you might end up meeting? Who wants to miss out?
