Something I had always (and sometimes still) struggle with is going places alone without feeling self-conscious. I thought, like many others, that people would be silently judging me if I decided to eat at the dining hall or Chipotle alone or dared to go to the movies without at least one other person. Although I do err on the side of introversion, most of the time, I don’t genuinely enjoy being alone because I get too lonely; however, sometimes it truly is refreshing to go places without having to ask friends or family to tag along.
For example, today I decided to go into a sandwich shop and sit and eat my sandwich without taking it to go. As I was sitting there, I realized that I finally felt comfortable with my own company and didn’t feel like anyone was viewing me as a loner.
Ultimately, I think it is important to try to let go of this fear of judgement from others and simply go where you want to go when you want to. If you want to go shopping or to the movies, don’t ditch your plans just because no one is free to tag along. Or if all you think about is getting food at your favorite restaurant but none of your friends are available, go anyway and relish in your meal that they couldn’t partake in.
If you force yourself to do more things without the company of others, you will get more used to your own company and will get more comfortable with yourself. And if you keep doing this, you’ll no longer start to care or notice that you are alone and will actually start to enjoy your own company.
I think the biggest benefit of going places by yourself is the opportunity for introspection and truly getting to know yourself. Of course, nowadays when everyone is on the go and has to keep themselves preoccupied 24/7, it is difficult to find time to yourself and turn off your own mind that is preoccupied about what you have to do later. However, it is important to take some time out of the day to do things just for you or to do activities that allow you to be alone, even if only for a few minutes.
So, stop being afraid to do something without others and treat yourself, even if no one else can go with you. You deserve it.
