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Original poster

I'm going to go to the cinema alone this evening

69 replies

Bigweekend · 20/01/2023 07:25

I know it's something I should just do, but it's not something I've ever done before.

Since DH died I find I don't have anything to do these spur of the moment things with. I have a pretty busy social life of things organised in advance, but if I find myself with a free weekend others will have plans. I have asked a couple of people to come with me, but they couldn't make it and now I wish I never asked!

So from now on I'm just going to go alone.

I suspect Friday night is the wrong night to pick, but I shall go to an early showing. What do I need to know to make it more enjoyable/less painful?

OP posts:
WeAreTheHeroes · 20/01/2023 07:28

Just enjoy the time on your own doing something you want to do. I get that the fact you are widowed makes this harder for you, but it's something I have no qualms about doing if my partner isn't interested in the film. Maybe it will give you the confidence to do more on your own if none of your friends is interested? You can discuss the film on an online thread afterwards.

PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 20/01/2023 07:28

Get a VIP seat if your cinema has them - really worth it for not getting a sore bum, and having a good view of the screen.

Also, warm clothes (layers that can be removed if needed) - last time I went in December, it was very chilly.

Have a lovely evening Flowers

PicklesAndTequila · 20/01/2023 07:29

I always go alone and love it, quieter showings though as I'm not keen on talkers/chewers/rustlers.
Since it's likely to be busy get your favourite snack since no one will notice you eating.
Which film are you seeing?

BigGreen · 20/01/2023 07:29

I'm so sorry for your loss Flowers. Going to the cinema alone is one of my greatest pleasures. I don't think there's anything weird about it. I hope you have a lovely time.

LetItGoHome · 20/01/2023 07:54

I often go on my own and it's absolutely fine. With small children and no baby sitter my husband will often go one night, then me the next 😄
Sometimes if I want to make more of an evening of it I will travel to the more arty independent cinema and have a glass of wine in their bar and read a book before the showing 😂
For me the cinema is usually a spur of the moment thing.
I have also been to the theatre last minute on my own too. It's actually a great way to see something and pick up a deal.
Go for it. Honestly after your first time you won't think twice xx

meetmeatmidnights · 20/01/2023 07:57

I've been alone before, I get VIP seating (although now all seats are VIP at my cinema) and pick an end seat for me. I get there at normal time, queue for snacks and drinks and do everything as I would normally. No reason to do anything differently because it's just you - the cinema is the perfect just you thing to do, it's not made for chatting or catching up and everyone is so engrossed in the film they're paying zero attention to anyone around them!

Just have fun and I hope you enjoy the film!

Lordofthebutterfloofs · 20/01/2023 07:59

Tons of people go alone op. You really have nothing to worry about

ellyo · 20/01/2023 08:02

I love doing this! Wear your comfiest clothes so you can curl up in your seat, and take a big shawl in case you need a cover from the cold.

Tinkeytonkoldfruit · 20/01/2023 08:02

Yep I like cinema on my own, I particularly like an afternoon showing solo. No need to do anything different just relax and enjoy. Maybe have a listen to the review of the film (my preference is always Mark Kermode) on the journey home, helps to almost replicate the sense of thinking about the film you've watched with someone else.

Appleblum · 20/01/2023 08:03

I'm sorry for your loss.

I used to go alone quite often pre-kids and I've always enjoyed it. I get to take my time with a meal before or after, choose my own snacks, walk out if I'm really bored, etc

I hope you have fun!

RoaRoaRasputin · 20/01/2023 08:05

Sorry for your loss.

I know you are worried but this really is a non-issue. It is dark too. Have a drink beforehand on your own too and call it practise for solo time :)

I am going to a cinema too tonight. Can't wait!

onyttig · 20/01/2023 08:07

I think the cinema is a great choice of activity if you’re on your own (whatever the reason). You aren’t going to be interacting with people while watching a film anyway, and you barely notice the other people in the cinema (unless there’s a problem).

And you can choose to see whatever film you like. 😁

Have a lovely time. Going to the cinema on
your own is lovely.

BitOutOfPractice · 20/01/2023 08:09

Warm clothes, nice snack, maybe a gin and tonic smuggled in yuur bag, you’re good to go. Have a lovely time.

what are you going to see?

WimpoleHat · 20/01/2023 08:10

Agree that lots of people go alone; it’s a guilty pleasure for me. Ditto the theatre - I often enjoy going to see something I really fancy and not have to worry if DH/the friend I’ve asked is enjoying it. Sometimes I fall into conversation with others, sometimes I don’t - but I’ve never felt odd about being alone on any occasion. Have a lovely time!

Remona · 20/01/2023 08:13

I regularly go to the cinema alone. You’re overthinking it. No one will care or notice.

Take yourself some goodies and enjoy it!

Ragwort · 20/01/2023 08:14

Hope you enjoy it, I like watching a film on my own... I went to the cinema on my own yesterday and it was nice NOT having to talk about the film afterwards .. I often take my very opinionated mother to the cinema and her views are so outrageous that it was a pleasure not having to listen to them. Grin

I tend to go to an afternoon showing which I love on my own but no one cares or even looks at you - enjoy.

TakemedowntoPotatoCity · 20/01/2023 08:19

Here's a bit of CBT therapy for you!
If you feel that everyone is judging you for being on your own, take a deep breath and just look at the audience. Not one person will have their eyes on you - I promise.one
you will feel strong and empowered afterwards, to for it! I hope you enjoy the movie!

doadeer · 20/01/2023 08:19

I love going on my own. I think it's strange that it's strange to go alone! You sit in silence, why be with someone?!

Chickenvoicesinmyhead · 20/01/2023 08:22

I love doing this. I grab a coffee and get completely lost in the film or play.

You'll be surprised how many others are there by themselves particularly on the earlier showings.

Once you've tried it, I'm sure it'll become a regular thing for you.

HerbErtlinger · 20/01/2023 08:23

doadeer · 20/01/2023 08:19

I love going on my own. I think it's strange that it's strange to go alone! You sit in silence, why be with someone?!

This. I've been alone many times, I don't really consider it a particularly sociable activity really as you can't chat all the way through the film

Iliveditwizbit · 20/01/2023 08:24

Take a hot water bottle! The last cinema viewing I went to was so cold, guess they have to cut costs like everyone else.

Chickenvoicesinmyhead · 20/01/2023 08:26

If it's your bag, National Theatre & the RSC show several performances at some cinemas. It's such a treat and far cheaper than travelling to the live show. All have been amazing in their own way. I believe the ballet and opera do the same.

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 20/01/2023 08:27

I'm sorry that you lost your DH x

I suspect the anticipation of going alone might be worse than actually doing it?
What are you going to see?

LlynTegid · 20/01/2023 08:30

You can get individual sofa type seats at my local cinema. Place to put your coffee, tea or other drink.

Choice of film may mean less likely to be full. I pick Monday or Tuesday for that reason (most of my film choices are not everyones)

Sorry to read of your loss.

weemouse · 20/01/2023 08:32

I am sorry for your loss.

I love going to the cinema on my own. I was also a bit daunted the first time, but it's lovely to just arrive, get a drink and get comfy. No need for chit chat, just enjoying the free time and then getting fully absorbed in the film.

Enjoy!