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

[Bigweekend]

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?

I'm a lone parent with sons in their 20s so I often go to the cinema on my own.
No one judging the size of my popcorn.
I love it

What are you going to see? I'm going to see 'a man called otto' later. I just looked at the trailer and it made me laugh. I live alone and always go to the cinema alone. I go to poundland first and buy some cheap sweets or a tin of Pepsi and smuggle them in. Enjoy op.

I worked in a cinema when I was at uni and LOADS of people go alone. It’s very normal. I’ve been by myself lots of times, I go to concerts by myself too sometimes!

I go the cinema by myself all the time, I like a load of sci fi stuff that family and friends hate. Noone else cares, the cinema is by design a solitary experience anyway, and you're all there for the same purpose.

I like a late showing so that it's not too busy, had the screen to myself a couple of times, it's lush!

Also a big fan of museums by myself and the pub with.a good book. Never got up the courage to go for dinner by myself though.

I go to the cinema and theatre by myself all the time.

I love it.

Loads of people do this and no one bats an eyelid. The only person thinking about you being by yourself is you.

I always treat myself to the a good seat.

Go. Enjoy!

Sorry to hear your DH died OP.

Of course it is more poignant doing things alone that you would have done together.

I go the cinema alone a lot. I go early in the week when prices are cheaper, and take something that I enjoy as a snack, if I want a snack.

After you have seen the film check MN for a thread and see if anyone is discussing it? On the Films and TV board? If not, start one!

I hope you enjoy the film. What are you going to see?

I love the cinema on my own! I take a massive cardigan or hoodie or something I can use as a blanket because I'm always freezing in there. Get a VIP seat if you can as PP said - even better if your cinema's VIP seats are recliners.

Take your own snacks unless you want cinema snacks - they don't care and it's way cheaper, I'd rather spend the money on upgrading the seat.

And enjoy!

There's nothing to go, just do exactly as you would on any other trip to the cinema.

Have a nice evening OP.

That should read nothing to know, not sure what went wrong there!

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I do this all the time, I can't actually (not being difficult or insensitive) think of what you'd need to do differently if you're going to the cinema on your own. Maybe an end of row seat. Enjoy the film!

Sorry for your loss x

Get yourself a VIP seat & don’t overdo the fluids! Taking all your bits to the loo mid showing is annoying.

You will have a great time! I saw Little Women alone and LOVED the experience. I came away feeling really proud of myself.

I am off to a big city tomorrow to watch a play on my own.

I realised a while ago that if I didn't choose to do these things alone I would be the only person missing out and my life would be less colourful, just because of a social convention that seems to believe things are only valid if shared.

I go to restaurants on my own, I travel abroad go to talks or events - I refuse to be limited by public opinion (my family members, for example, get crushing second hand embarrassment each time they realise I've gone to some event on my own) I do not I don't care one jot.

That being said I have done it ever since I was in my twenties, so I'm very comfortable in my own company and I realise its not for everyone. But if you find you wee ok, that the world opens up to you.

My top tip, have a book on hand at all times (or headphones on) . I'm no picture, but being alone seems to signal to 'Mr Random Man' that you are just there to listen to them.

If you are in the London area the BFI on the South Bank is great for solitary cinema. I'm a member and just love it there. Lots of people on their own, no one bothers you. A great choice of films, lots of obscure films which you can't easily see elsewhere which I often go to see on my own as not many people I know share my weird taste!

It has a great bar at the back of the building as well with lovely comfy sofas. Lots of lone women there just enjoying a glass of wine or a coffee and no hint of any hassle.

There's probably similar arty cinemas in most big towns.

Hope you enjoy your evening in your own company and raise a glass to your DH

The cinema is better on your own 🤷‍♀️ I used to go all the time and people did think it was weird but I really don't understand why as you are literally sat there quietly for a couple of hours watching a movie

I work various shifts and get cheap tickets through my work so go all the time on my own. I noticed there are loads of people alone. Seriously, no one cares if you are on your tod. Enjoy it! It's great alone time.

Have the best time ❤️
what are you going to see?

"What do I need to know to make it more enjoyable/less painful?"

Honestly, you just need to know that it doesn't matter at all whether you are there by yourself or with someone. Everyone is sat in the dark in silence watching a film.
Take some nice snacks and a drink or buy there, and enjoy.
I love a trip to the cinema by myself! I hate it when people chat to me when I'm trying to watch the trailers, or try to share my snacks.

I love cinema on my own - unnecessary to go with someone else for the sake of it. I usually go to the Everyman and you can order wine and food to your seat!

I used to go quite a lot on my own , now if i go its using meercat voucher shared with friend as its so expensive !.
Enjoy your film !

I’m sorry for your loss.

The first time I went to the cinema alone, I was very apprehensive but it is now my favourite way of going.

I always try and pre-book my seat; and I splash out on the posh seats.
Get all the snacks/treats!
I normally get a coffee which is more comforting than a fizzy drink.
Always take a pashmina/blanket scarf.

Afternoon showings are fab, always a bit less crowded. Sunday afternoon is my ultimate favourite though.

I went on my own for the first time a few weeks ago, it was lovely. Can't wait to go again.

Yep, they do, and Pop/other music concerts too.
I've seen them all.
Cinema is one of my favourite things to do and almost always alone.

I love going alone, that way nobody tries to steal my nachos

So sorry for your loss op.

I think the hardest thing is doing things by yourself the first time.

There's some great advice from pp, I would say definitely take something to keep you warm and to keep you topped up (snacks and drinks). Lose yourself in the film and if you want to find out more about it afterwards there are plenty of forums. Absolutely no one will be paying you any attention!

Go for it and let us know how you get on 💐

I've been going alone for over 20 years!

Tips-
Wear comfy clothes/lounge wear (I take thick socks to put on over my normal ones when on there to make very cosy

Buy or bring your face snacks/drinks

Pick a seat you'll be comfy in

Relax!! No one is looking at you and loads of people go alone!! Enjoy! Xx