Remember high school, when sitting alone in the cafeteria at lunch was the worst thing that could possibly happen to you? Well, you’re an adult now, and you don’t have to worry about people judging you for enjoying your own company. Just because you like to do certain things solo doesn’t mean you don’t have any friends, it just means you don’t need to spend every waking moment in their presence. Sometimes it’s nice to not have to consult anyone else about where you should eat, or which way is the fastest to your destination. You can do whatever you want, because you’re the only one there to notice. Try doing the following on your own at least once in your life. You might be pleasantly surprised.
- Eat at a restaurant. And no, grabbing a panini to go doesn’t count. I’m talking about getting a table for one, ordering from a waitress, and actually sitting in the restaurant and eating by yourself. Instead of having to focus on a conversation, you’ll be able to enjoy your meal in peace… with no one to judge you if you want to get dessert.
- See a movie. It’s not like you talk while you’re in a movie anyway, so what’s so wrong with going to the theater alone? If no one wants to see the new zombie horror flick with you, then just call it a date with a huge bucket of popcorn, extra butter, and a box of Junior Mints.
- Go shopping. Being caught at the mall without your friends (or worse, with your parents) might have been social suicide in high school, but now you don’t have to worry about that. No one actually likes going into the stores they have no interest in just so their friend can try on a bunch of hideous ponchos. Now you don’t have to.
- Travel. Going on a trip alone can be kind of scary at first. But if you don’t have your friends to fall back on, it will force you to put yourself out there more. You’ll have to ask for directions, restaurant recommendations, and what you absolutely cannot miss in town, all on your own. You might make a new friend or two, and you’ll realize how self-sufficient you truly are.
- Go to a museum. Not only will you be able to spend more time on the exhibits you’re most interested in seeing, but you won’t have to worry about the person you’re with being bored or not being a fan of your taste in art.
- Grab a drink. You might think it seems pathetic to drink by yourself, but that’s only a little true if you’re getting wasted every night. Sitting at a bar and sipping a nice glass of wine solo is far from pathetic. It shows you’re confident, and you don’t need to hide behind a group of friends. Also, guys are a lot more likely to talk to you if they don’t have to make it through a barrier of overly suspicious women first.
- Exercise. Some people love having a running partner, or can only get motivated in a group class. While it’s always good to have someone around to keep you accountable for your goals, sometimes it’s nice to just sweat it out solo. Instead of getting distracted by gossip, or someone else’s terrible form, you’ll be able to focus on pushing yourself as much as you can.
- Get a pedicure. Salon visits are always prime gossip time, but they should also be a chance to pamper yourself. Instead of listening to your friend ramble on about all her guy problems, grab a magazine, sit back, and relax.
- Change your diet. It can be tempting to go on a diet with a friend with the hope that you’ll be able to help each other stay on track. But the reality is, no one else can force you to eat right. You have to want to do it for yourself, and it should be a lifestyle change, not just a passing bandwagon you’re jumping on.
- Go to the beach. Relaxing at the beach is all about kicking back to work on your tan and catch up on some reading. There are times where you want to chat with friends, play some beach volleyball and ogle all the hot guys, but sometimes it’s nice to just people watch and enjoy the sun in peace.
