There has always been this stigma floating around in our society that it's not typically cool to be seen doing things out in public all alone. It's like it has been programmed in us - well, with the exception of those rare breeds who don't care what the world thinks about them. (But we all still care, even the littlest bit) There's this familiar twinge of embarrassment, because we are so used to having someone around us, to boost our self esteem, our confidence. Being alone has always been the more unpopular choice. However, having a crowd near you, or at least a friend or two . . . that's acceptable. Of course, it's fine to be alone in public, we can't expect everyone to have someone there in our busy schedules and hectic lifestyles. It's the "actually going out to do things" alone that makes it difficult in our world. And I mean things such as dinner, drinks, movies, coffee, the mall to do some shopping, etc.
"I want to go out to dinner, but I don't want to go alone", or "I can't go to the movies alone . . . do you know how dumb I'll look?" are normal things that we've become used to hearing and using throughout our lives. And when we DO go out to the movies alone, we fear running into people that we will know, and this whole anxiety thing takes over. Well, at least that has happened to me in the past, and even sometimes now. But then I think about it this way: it's obviously fun to go out to a movie (for example) with a bunch of friends, and it makes it more enjoyable - being able to share that experience. But at the same time, I don't think there is anything negative about seeing a movie by yourself, because you're just sitting in a dark theater anyway, and it's not as though you are going to be sitting there talking to the people next to you. I think that movie experiences are important, so it's okay to go solo once in awhile. But . . . alas, that stigma still runs quite rapid in today's society.
Why? What's the fear of being seen at public outings alone?
There's nothing wrong with going to the movies alone.
There's certainly nothing to be ashamed of when eating a slice a pie for one in a diner at 11 p.m.. But isn't that loser-ish???
I think that when people see someone alone, there is this idea that the person is alone because they have no friends, and if they have no friends, they must be an unlikable individual. And even if nobody really cares in the end, we still ironically care - even the tiniest bit, and that's all because of our culture.
But If you find a certain kind of joy in doing things without the company of others sometimes, then so be it.
This past summer, I did a lot of things by myself. I went to coffee shops alone, the beach alone, the library alone, the movies alone a few times, and I went shopping alone - A LOT. As a person who used to fear being seen out in public with a party of one, this was a step for me. I didn't really notice it, but I did realize that I didn't care as much as what made me happy - and what made me happy was spending the day in a coffee shop alone. Or, if I wanted to treat myself to a lunch, I would go do just that because I really, really wanted a bowl of pasta. I didn't care what anyone thought. One afternoon in particular, I had spent some time alone at the beach, writing, and I decided to stop at Panera Bread for lunch. I got my delicious soup in a bread bowl lunch, and headed over to the corner where I could eat, check email, and read all at the same time. Halfway through my lunch, I was perfectly content with being able to thoroughly enjoy my meal without having to talk to anyone, or worry if I had food stuck in my teeth. However, I was sitting next to these obnoxious fifteen year old girls, who kept glancing over at me. They were laughing and whispering and I overheard one of them say "I never see people just come here without anyone. Weird". I simply rolled my eyes and told myself that these silly little teenage girls were the epitome of what it was like to have to need someone around all the time - because it's quite prominent in that age group in particular, that not wanting to be alone out in public. 
That's the thing about growing up. As I grew older, I learned that I liked going out in public alone sometimes. I could reflect on myself, enjoy myself, and it was totally relaxing. I didn't have to worry about running out of conversation, but instead I could simply read a good book or stare out into the distance while sipping on a cup of good brew. I had all of the time in the world, and I do. It's okay to be alone sometimes, and healthy, because it teaches us to be comfortable in our own skin and to be at peace with ourselves. It's important to get to know ourselves and not have to rely on everyone all the time if we want to go out and have some fun. You want to go to that concert but everyone is too busy to go with you? Go anyway. Another popular thing with not being solo, is concerts. They're the event in which it is quite odd to go without a friend or two. But so what? What if I want to go to a concert alone and rock out and have the time of my life? I can. And hey, I am not really by myself because I can equally share that experience with the strangers around me. 
"You're going alone?"
"Yeah?"
"That's really cool".
"Why is that?"
"Because, it shows that you're independent".
When we are alone, we become submersed in our own thoughts, and we begin to over analyze our situation - we stand out. What if people are staring at me? you asked yourself, and suddenly you are taken over by total social anxiety. It's very similar to having a mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Society doesn't want to pay attention to that kind of thing. In our world, having fun and being happy is what is "in", and the same goes for being with large groups of people - or at least, never being alone. Having a lot of friends around people boosts their confidence, and apparently represents a lot of who they are as people. It's so crazy that when we see somebody who is spending their afternoon by themselves, we suddenly, quite naturally, pity them in a way and we are thankful that we are not in their shoes.
People need to realize that spending some time alone is not only okay, but it is also very healthy. We need that time to reflect on ourselves and come back to who we are - to recharge. And let me tell you: I am a pro at recharging. 
The next time someone is giving you a weird look, eyebrows raised, all because you are hanging out with yourself for the day . . . don't let that get to you. Be proud of yourself, because in this culture, it's tough doing that kind of thing - and it takes a ton of bravery to simply go to lunch by yourself. Be the Holly Golightly of the world, and explore the city window shopping, with breakfast in hand. Be that awesome person who isn't afraid to stand out in their own skin. Life is too short. I know, I know - a total cliche, but absolutely true nonetheless. There isn't enough time in the world to worry about an audience, who is watching, and how people perceive us. And I mean . . . in the end, you always just have yourself.
