“Aw, she’s by herself. That’s sad.” “I need to find someone to go with, I can’t go alone.”
Why is it seen as socially unacceptable to do things things by yourself?
Yes it is quite natural to think that activities such as going out to eat, walking around the city, and going to the movies are enjoyable with others, but that does not mean they are not fun alone. We as humans are drawn to socialize with others to create conversation, memories, and experiences, but that does not mean someone can’t do something alone. When someone is solely doing something in public, that does not necessarily mean that they are lonely, nor do they need to be pitied for it.
Doing things by yourself can be a positive because: you can go wherever you want without compromising with various ideas in mind that others have, you can take as long as you would like to get ready while also spending as much time where you want to be, and you see things for yourself in new perspectives without the distractions (who although can be entertaining at times).Time spent alone can be a positive escape. It is the time where you can learn more about yourself, think of subject matters that are of importance to you (without outside opinions), think about nothing at all (clearing your head space), and to become more independent. The more time you spend alone with yourself, the more you get used to it. It won’t be something that’s uncomfortable, frightening, intimidating, nor anxious. Instead you won’t think twice about it, and it will become something that’s casual. Spending time with yourself will help you to develop more self love. You will become empowered. Strutting down the Avenue in your new heels, with the wind blowing in your hair, while the sun hits you just right, and you’re all by yourself? Yes that will definitely have you feeling like a boss babe!
So you have no social plans for the weekend? Who cares? You might miss out on some amazing happenings, events, and opportunities when automatically choosing to stay in, due to ‘no plans’. Make your own! You may think you’ll have a miserable time ‘out and about’ because you are not with anyone, but that is not the case. You will most likely end up enjoying your time much more if you go out, plus there is always the possibility of being able to meet and network with new friendly faces. This is not saying that things are more fun alone than with friends, but it is not something to pass up as an option.
Stop worrying if you or someone else is without company. Company is not a necessity. Being without company should not be a stigma nor frowned upon. Don’t underestimate what you can do for yourself. Don’t worry, your friends will still be there after a morning out to brunch alone. Your phone will still have all the apps that you need to track back on what everyone has been up to while you were ‘MIA’. Take the time to analyze your life to figure out your needs and certain aspects that might need to be changed. Self-sufficiency is needed at times. Pay no mind to the outside judgment, if you want to do something, go ahead and do it!Photographs in order by:
Amadeo Muslimovic https://unsplash.com/photos/DXwIJbiMmn8 (Cover Photo)
Matt Lamers https://unsplash.com/photos/3l_dlGztDJI
Yaoqi LAl https://unsplash.com/photos/0B2Q1p8K2pM
Kristopher Roller https://unsplash.com/photos/BzIC8ioj7Ms