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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:

helloelsie · 20/01/2023 20:27

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

I do this too - perfect!!

Original poster

Bigweekend · 20/01/2023 20:58

I went, embarrassed myself by managing to sit in the wrong seat and having to move but it was all good and I enjoyed the film. Empire of Light.

What shall I see next?

OP posts:

Winniethepig · 20/01/2023 21:01

Sorry for your loss, I know you'd love someone to go with. But, YANBU, as some PPs have said going to the cinema alone is sometimes a rare treat. I don't get to go at all atm because we have two small kids and I would love to go alone to the cinema. You'll be fine x

Travis1 · 20/01/2023 21:06

Bigweekend · 20/01/2023 20:58

I went, embarrassed myself by managing to sit in the wrong seat and having to move but it was all good and I enjoyed the film. Empire of Light.

What shall I see next?

We’re going to see Megan on Sunday. Also Babylon looks quite good. There’s an Emma Thompson one coming out soon too.

which cinema chain do you go to? If odeon consider either their monthly pass or o2 priority free tickets. They are released at 2pm on a Wednesday. You have to be quick.

Im really sorry for your loss but cinema on your own is a great experience and once the film starts no one can even tell you’re alone let alone care

Blackcountryexile · 20/01/2023 21:09

It's lovely to hear that you enjoyed the film and are looking forward to your next cinema visit. I'm sure nobody thought anything about the seats.
I also enjoyed Empire of Light. I saw A Man Called Otto recently and that was good too. Looking forward to The Fabelmans which is due out at the end of the month.

TurquoiseDress · 20/01/2023 21:15

Ah great you had a lovely time!

I've seen Empire of Light and enjoyed it 👍🏼

I go to the cinema alone from time to time, have done for years, I really enjoy it!

Probably wouldn't have done it in my late teens/early 20s but I'm so comfortable doing it now, it's one of my pleasures taking a solo cinema trip

Sorry for your loss

TurquoiseDress · 20/01/2023 21:15

I want to see the Fabelmans next!

DCINightingale · 20/01/2023 21:16

Glad you enjoyed your film OP, well done for going. I'm sorry to hear about your DH.

I am going to the cinema on my own in the morning. First time at the cinema in 3 1/2 years, can't wait! I've gone solo once before, it felt weird. Now I'm 15 years older and give way less craps about worrying whether people will think I'm a loner

TurquoiseDress · 20/01/2023 21:18

LetItGoHome · 20/01/2023 07:54

DH and I do this too!

Or if he's been out somewhere with friends I'll maybe then do a solo cinema trip the next night so we've both had time to do something for ourselves

Nice to escape for a few hours

midsomermurderess · 20/01/2023 21:31

That you will be a one moment wonder to the few people who even clock you. Honestly, people think a lot less about other people than people think.

PicklesAndTequila · 20/01/2023 23:24

Bigweekend · 20/01/2023 20:58

I went, embarrassed myself by managing to sit in the wrong seat and having to move but it was all good and I enjoyed the film. Empire of Light.

What shall I see next?

They probably won't even remember by now, glad you enjoyed it.
I'm booked to see Till on Tuesday and the BTS concert on Feb 1st

Crazycrazylady · 20/01/2023 23:33

I'm happily married and often enjoy the cinema by myself. I've never felt that I stood out.

Furries · 21/01/2023 05:20

Bit late to the thread, glad you had a good time. Am sure we all get our seats wrong at some point!

Am so sorry that your husband passed away, it must feel daunting trying to navigate things in life that you’ve done together.

I would say you’ve hit on a good one with the cinema. The lighting is dimmed and everyone is focussed on the screen. It really is one of the best places to enjoy on your own without feeling self-conscious.

I am single and your post has reminded me I need to do the cinema more!

If you are able to book a seat in advance, I’d say get one where a walkway is in front of your seat. You have SO much more room to stretch your legs out. As a pp said, take a wrap with you in case you feel chilly. Treat yourself to a drink/popcorn/whatever takes your fancy.

Also worth looking into what cinemas are available near you. I have found a very small (2 screen) cinema around 30 minutes from me. Yes, the choice of films is less. But tickets are £4 so it’s a winner as far as I’m concerned!

Hopefully more knowledgable film people will be along to give recommendations re your next viewing.

Netaporter · 21/01/2023 05:35

@Bigweekend sorry for your loss. I love a solo cinema trip. I usually choose a Saturday morning or a morning midweek to avoid people with never ending bags of nachos with them 😂

I’m looking forward to The Fableman’s too. If you have a Times subscription and an Everyman nearby I think they are doing free screenings of it next week? I’d also recommend the Whitney Houston film, panned by critics, but I loved it.

CandlelightGlow · 21/01/2023 05:42

Me and my partner have no childcare options for our 3 young DC and I'm similar to you, my friends moved out of our expensive town to buy houses and also have work and young DC. I went to the cinema alone when a film I just couldn't miss came out and it was awesome! Felt like proper me time and I can't wait to do it again.

I've seen films in the cinema with other people since and have wished I've been on my own hahaa.

Weddi · 21/01/2023 07:13

It’s dark in the cinema anyway so no one will know nor care. I used to have a cineworld card and would go alone quite often, I enjoyed it.

Chickenvoicesinmyhead · 21/01/2023 08:28

I use my Tescos Clubcard points at Cineworld 👍

Spectre8 · 21/01/2023 08:37

I go on my own however I prefer to avoid busy times and go during the day to avoid the number of selfish people who end up on their phone or talk through the movie

Quite few times I've had the whole screen to myself...feel like im vip lol

Deathraystare · 21/01/2023 15:39

I used to go on my own all the time. The only thing that bothered me was in an otherwise almost empty cinema, when someone else came in, they sat exactly behind me!! All the time!

I don't have the time really to go alone much now so go when my friend/s want to go now.

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