I went to the cinema by myself last night

[TeaAndCakeFTW]

And didn't self combust with embarrassment!

I always thought, yeah right, when people said they loved going by themselves, but I'm a bloody convert!

Really didn't feel self conscious or care that I looked like I was the only one on my own. Although I did sit right at the back. Next time I'll sit centre row, a few rows in, I think I didn't get the best effect from the sound where I sat yesterday.

But I'll definitely be going again.

What else is great to do by yourself/can I discover?

Yes i agree, we were at a Michelin star restaurant having the tasting menu and there were 2 separate tables with single diners. I especially like to see it when they are very elderly people as I think good for you madam/sir getting out and treating yourself , I hope I am able to do that.

I love going to the cinema on my own. It's perfect if plans get cancelled mid week and at Oscar time I can watch the weird films I'd have to talk my DP into.

Now you've taken that step why not set yourself the challenge of treating yourself to a nice meal in a restaurant. Just to know you can do it.

In the last month I've done the following on my own
Few days in Isle of Wight
Titanic exhibition
Van Gogh immersive experience
Have a chai latte most days after the gym
Saw Marc Almond at the Symphony Hall
Been to the cinema
2 outdoor dance/music performances
Cloud watching at the local cemetery- bean bags and headphones provided to listen to lovely lady talking clouds

Off to the theatre tonight, probably cinema again tomorrow and 2 more outdoor performances on Saturday

If I can get my act together I want to go to London next week to see the War of the Works experience

I feel dreadfully self conscious on my own. Not sure why. I once went to a classical concert on my own, two older ladies next to me made quite a fuss about me being on my own, so out of embarrassment I pretended I was there with friends but had been unable to be seated together. And I left at half time.

I prefer to walk alone. I hate having to slow my pace, and wait for people! I also hate talking and walking at the same time. Give me my pods, & music any day !

That's just rude, buy I suppose it was never the done thing for them.

@TeaAndCakeFTW I didnt say anybody on this thread had said that.. i said “some people”

What makes me sad about these threads is the thought that people are stopped from doing things because of fear of what other people might think.
We all have our own preferences. I don't really enjoy evening meals out on my own. I don't really drink so I wouldn't think about going to a pub on my own- though I have done a couple of times whilst my son was at a scout event and it was OK.
But if I really really wanted to do something, I wouldn't let being on my own stop me.

It is difficult when you're put on the spot, and really not on that you felt like you had to leave because of those rude women, who should have known better! I would have said "yes, it's bliss having nobody disturb me, and not being with somebody for the sake of company, you should try it sometime!"

That’s alright then 😊 I go London with work from time to time, and often consider a civilised solo dinner with a glass of wine … then decide for the same price I can get a takeaway and a whole bottle, and consume them in my pants or PJs in my hotel room 😂

I often go to the theatre alone - you choose the price of your seat, date etc that suits. Loads of people do it. If you like pretend you are a critic and there for work or you know someone in the cast?!

Its not always so amazing doing things on your own if you have no choice.

I'm not judging anyone who finds it difficult or prefers not to do things alone, but as a single person who lives alone and doesn't have any close friends or family nearby, it does slightly irritate me when people gush about how fabulous it is to be alone.

Lovely isn't it.
Did you have wine?

In May I went on a short break to Athens on my own and had a great time (apart from the tiny seat on the budget airline I booked). I did get some odd looks but I met some other lone travellers and had some good conversations.

That's an entirely different thing though isn't it.
I've had times like that and it was horrible. Summers indoors while everyone else is with their partner or always too busy. I was young though, so didn't have the attitude I have now, so didn't just go and do everything by myself. And it wasn't about doing things, it was about having friends too. I did join meet-up then though and get out a little bit.

No, I was driving.

Just like people who are always alone may want to be with others, people who are literally never ever alone might sometimes rather like to be alone. I can go weeks without being by myself.

I think that’s fair enough. Alone is great when it is a choice. Less so when alone is a default and a fragile one.

But the ‘gushing’ here is in the context of an OP and other women who don’t do things alone because they are self conscious or feel people will judge them for being alone.

I know! I didn’t mean to be critical… it’s only been since I got to be about 50ish that I genuinely couldn’t care less what others thought, however daft I knew it was to care. Some people can’t help feeling self conscious.
The more striking out alone you do, the easier it gets!

Edited… Sorry meant to quote OPs earlier response!

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Makes me laugh when people say they can't go to the cinema alone because "everyone will think I'm a Billy no mates". Firstly they won't notice you, secondly, if they do notice you they won't care. Thirdly, who cares what a complete stranger thinks?? You'll never have to see them again.
Things I love doing on my own : going to gigs. I much prefer to go on my own than with others. I can focus completely on the music.
Going for walks, especially in nature.
Getting on the train and exploring a nearby town or village.

I went to see the Downton Abbey film by myself when it came out, while DH took the DC to see the latest Marvel. It was bliss. Quiet, no kids, no worries about DH not enjoying it. And I enjoyed being old enough to NGAF if I looked like a saddo!

Other activities I enjoy by myself: art galleries, National Trust-type places, eating at restaurants, solo nights at the good old Premier Inn with a box of chocolates and a good book. It's ace.

Theatre.
Museums
Days out

I went to Prague by myself - that was awesome.

This is me too! So perfectly said. ☺️

Learning to enjoy your own company is brilliant, I love my solo travel / outings / cinema trips. Nobody in cinemas or restaurants bats an eyelid at people eating or watching a film by themselves. Love my own company and I'm very independent

I've got a meeting in the pub tonight. I've just got there deliberately half an hour early to enjoy a pint on my own before everyone else gets here. Bloody lovely.