It seems like there is a code of ethics that prevents you from going alone to the movie theater. Usually, people go as a group. It is a ritual for a bunch of dudes to go and watch the next superhero film together. After a sleepover, teenage girls in their PJ's will go to see the next teenage film with all the shirtless guys.

Going on a date to watch some horror or action film can be quite exciting and romantic for most people. Given these scenarios, people like to share these moments with other people because it is special to them. It's also a classic way to get to know someone. Despite this, people can learn from others even if they are not trying to get to know them.

I have broken the forbidden rule of not going to the movie theater alone and I'm proud of it.

As minuscule as that statement may seem, I really did enjoy my time. What was interesting was how I noticed other people. As the movie theater started to fill up, I saw a lot of fathers and daughters that were together. It was very noticeable to see other people that were alone like me. Before the film started, people would have small conversations about the film and asked each other what plans they would have afterward.

One person with a bag of popcorn and a drink sat next to me, and it was obvious that he was alone. When the film started, there were a group of three guys that rushed in. Two of them sat in that last two seats next to me while the last guy sat in the row in front of the other two guys.

As I watched the film and followed the plot, I could not help but keep noticing how the guy next to me kept fidgeting.

He kept putting the straw to his mouth to drink but by the middle of the film, I was sure that the cup was empty. It was clear that the three guys were enthusiastic about the film — they would occasionally whisper to each other and laugh when one guy commented on the scene. The guy in the front row kept nodding his head as the scene focused on one character, which I assumed was his favorite character.

The film I came to watch was an anime film. At first, I believed that the kids would have shown more excitement than the three young men that sat next to me but I was wrong (go figure). Further down the row were a father and his daughter. Near the end of the film, it was very clear that the little girl was getting tired of the film. She stomped her feet repeatedly for a minute and stood up several times out of her chair. Despite her small-scale antics, I was not bothered by her.

In fact, I could understand how she was feeling because I was also getting slightly impatient with the seemingly ending battle scenes of the film (which is a typical scenario for an anime film).

When the film ended, people clapped and then started to leave as the credits came up. I stayed until the credits ended and then I left. As I walked out of the theater, I noticed more groups that were together and couldn't help but overhear their comments on the film. It gave me a sense of nostalgia. It reminded me of the times when I went to the theater with my family and then talked about what happened when we walked to our car to go home.

My reflection on this experience was enjoyable and I am glad I experienced it.

A lot of people do not feel comfortable doing things alone and feel the absolute need to be with the pack. Being alone is a part of the human condition, and there is nothing wrong with being a lone wolf. If I was with a group or with one other person, I do not think I would have noticed most of the details I have experienced. My recommendation for this experience to enjoy yourself —spending time alone is special in its own way and it may grant you a perspective of what you can expect from others in that environment.