I used to like going to the movies alone. I could see what I wanted, when I wanted. Phone off and no one to bother me. Then I started dating a guy who really liked movies. We went to the movies and the theater together. I married him and now we have a child. I have not been in a non-animated film for 7 years and I rarely go anywhere alone.
But once in a while, I make sure to eat a meal at the restaurant alone or get a cup of coffee. I like to observe people, I like the serenity that allows me to think or distance myself from the world for a bit. I like to choose where I want to go without having to negotiate or check how the children's menus are. And every time I go alone somewhere, I am surprised that I like the time I spend with myself.
More fun than you think!
Marketing professors Rebecca Ratner and Rebecca Hamilton found, after surveying hundreds of people, that most people enjoyed more than they expected when they went out on their own. At first however, people surveyed said they had to overcome “shyness” or perhaps the embarrassment of being alone.
Many study participants assumed that others would think they had no friends if they were only seen in public. This made them hesitant at first.
Yet another study by Thomas Gilovich tells us that people are not even paying attention to us anymore and think, "Wow someone is just sitting in the cafe. Oh no, he should have no friends!"
Because of a unique phenomenon called the "Spotlight Effect" we tend to think that everyone is looking at us or noticing what we are thinking. The reality, however, is that most people are too self-centered, busy, or focused on other things to pay so much attention to what we are doing.
So do not let these thoughts keep you in bed. Instead, get up and go to that restaurant you always wanted to try or go see that movie you were looking forward to! Once you overcome the embarrassment of "I wonder-what-others-are-thinking", you are likely to meet some new people, have a fun experience and maybe even just enjoy a glass of red wine. You can only lose all of this for fear of leaving home alone!
Source: Psychology Today
