For instance, it seems like no one ever goes to movies alone. It’s like they’d rather not see something they really do want to see than go without anyone else. Just look around the next time you go to a movie for how many people are sitting all by themselves. Why is this?
And concerts too. I’ve gone to concerts alone, and gotten EXCELLENT seats, because so few people go alone that there might be 10th row single seats available when the place is sold out for couples.
I guess we’re a social society, but there are plenty of other things we have no problem with doing alone. (Like commuting. :))
Personally? I like friend(s) with me, so I have someone to share opinions, or just the general experience with. Plus, it just would feel weird being at a concert or show alone; I mean people might think you don’t have any friends or something. Silly, but that’s how I would feel, in part.
OTOH, I have been a couple of times to a porn theatre, and a live sex show (YES with friends!) Especially at the movie (The Pink Poodle on Bascombe Ave in San Jose, wayyy back when…), just about everyone was male, and all alone.
I needed to take a real long hot shower after sitting in those seats, I can tell you. Ick.
Well, I’m extremely self-conscious and shy, so it would be difficult for me to be alone at a public event. I would keep thinking that the people around me think I have no friends, that I’m a loser, etc. I know that I shouldn’t let what other people think affect me, but it does.
It’s the whole safety in numbers factor, too. I’m a young woman. I think going to a concert or movie could be possibly dangerous if I was alone, not to mention I’m a wimp and couldn’t defend myself very well if some unknown male were to assault me.
I can’t go to large events (concerts, sporting events, an afternoon at the mall) by myself simply because large crowds make me panic and it’s safer to pass out when you have close friends with you. I go out to the movies by myself though, if no one else is interested.
I often go places by myself… to the mall, movies, concerts… I wouldn’t go clubbing by myself and since I don’t really have friends (I moved her in September and it takes me awhile to make friends) I haven’t gone since I turned 18 and legal.
Several years ago my chem class went on a trip to Disney World. After spending perhaps half a day with the 15 odd classmates that were with me, I simply ditched.
For the next four days, I basically spent almost no time with any of my classmates. It was glorious- I read in the lines for the rides, treated myself to good meals at Epcot, and talked to Disney employees from a bunch of countries.
I’ll go to the movies or eat alone quite a bit. Companionship is great and much-needed, but I like leaving myself to the thoughts in my head sometimes.
I go to movies alone, but I prefer going with someone. The main reason for this is because I like discussing movies after seeing them, or talking about them before. This is a little difficult without anyone else. I’ve gone to movies that I love, but that none of my friends have gone to see.
Also, if it’s a bad movie, I’ll pull a little MST3K on it.
I used to care about what people thought if I were alone, but now I figure screw em. The only place I don’t like to be alone is the movies. Its just too boring by myself.
Actually, I don’t mind eating alone at a restaurant, as long as it’s not a real swanky place, and I have something to read. I haven’t done that in some time, but it doesn’t bother me.
Here’s an odd thing though: I go to a couple of steam bath type places, no clothing allowed. Usually I go with friends, but I don’t mind going by myself either. One is co-ed, one has special ladies nights. This is strictly to get really clean & relaxed.
But I wouldn’t want to go to a club, play, concert or comedy place alone. I think because these are things that I want to share with others, as I said before…there are aspects of those experiences that often beg to be discussed or laughed over. But bathing & eating are more…physical activities, often done alone anyway. I have wondered how it is I can go stark nekkid in a steam room full of total strangers comfortably, yet not enjoy a movie alone. The only explanation I can come up with is the physical v. intellectual aspect of these activities.
I used to hate going anywhere by myself because of the “loser” factor. Then I had a kid and realized how wonderful alone time can really be!
The only place I don’t like to go alone is a bar. I’ve been before to meet people and had to wait alone with my drink and I’ve felt kind of alcoholic-ish. A few guys did talk to me, but it was kind of awkward because I’m not exactly in the market, so to speak, but I didn’t want to say “I’m married” just in case they were merely being friendly but I didn’t want to give anyone the wrong idea either. In cases like these, having a traditional wedding ring would help, I think.
I don’t like going to movies alone because of the share factor. I mean, you go see this really great movie at this out of the way place, and you want to talk it over with someone as soon as it’s over, while it’s still fresh in your mind. If you’re alone, you get really funny looks. And if it’s a sad movie, I like to have a shoulder to cry on (preferably a guy to comfort me!) Same goes with plays and concerts. (Also, I’m a bit self-concious. I’m always convinced people think “Wow! I feel sorry for her! She must not have been able to find anyone to come with her!”) But restaurants are a different story. I love to bring a book, sit down with a good meal, and just read and chat with the waiters. It’s so interesting!
Hmmm. I like going to plays and movies alone. I’ve been to the occasional concert alone, but only if it’s something I REALLY want to see (not into live music in general, so somebody else has dragged me to most of the concerts I’ve ever attended).
Used to hate going to restaurants alone, then spent two months backpacking on my own and had no choice. I’ve gotten used to it, but it’s not my first choice.
OTOH, I’ve NEVER gone into a bar or pub alone, unless you count hotel bars. It’s just too scary.
Two summers ago a friend gave me a free ticket to a Metallica concert at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. The guy who gave me the ticket was involved in the band’s fan club, and had a lot of tickets to give away. Anyway, on the day of the show this guy pops up and gives me the ticket, perhaps an hour before the show. So, having no time to get in touch with anyone to go with me, I went alone. It was still a lot of fun. Ironically, most of my friends were also at the show, but they had lawn seats, while I was in the pavilion. I wound up seeing nobody I knew.
I go to movies alone all the time - actually more frequently than I go with someone. FTR, I want to kill people who talk during movies; so far I have restrained myself, though. I don’t go out to dinner alone, though, unless I am on a businees trip.
I am the youngest child in my family by several years. Consequently, as a kid, I had to keep myself entertained a lot, since the older kids didn’t necessarily want me around all the time. So being alone has never been a problem for me, and frankly, for the most part, I like my solitary time.
