Flying Solo

Several years ago if you suggested I go see a movie or grab a bite to eat by myself I would have scoffed.  I felt self conscious doing these things on my own and missed the company of having someone to discuss the movie with or chat with over a meal.  Over the years I have not only grown more comfortable with it, I've learned to really enjoy it.

I realized that while in the movies, we are sitting in the dark and not talking.  If I feel the need to discuss the movie afterwards, I can almost always find someone who had already seen it.  Why do I need to have someone sitting next to me?  Going alone allows me to see exactly what I want to see and affords me the flexibility to see it whenever I find myself with a sliver of free time.  Matinees and popcorn for lunch?  Count me in.

Eating out is a little different though, it is usually tied with a social event.  Changing your mindset on this can be a little more difficult than when you are sitting in a dark movie theater.  What I've learned to love about eating on my own though is that I can sit and savor my coffee while people watching, flipping through a magazine or checking my email.  I don't have to share what is on my plate or on my mind.  It allows me to think and actually be able to hear myself.  Just while sitting at breakfast this morning (an impromptu stop while out and about) I came up with two different blog post ideas and cemented other thoughts that have been flying around untethered.  

Table for one?  Yes please.