A101: Do Things Alone
A101 (def): Tips on life taught by yours truly in hopes that maybe you can relate, share your story with me, and take something away from this. Not that I think I have some sort of God-given right to do so… I’m just hoping someone can relate and feel less alone in whatever situation they may be in. It really is a dream of mine to teach a class called “A101.” Ask Hannah.
A101 Topic #2: Do Things Alone.
Maybe it’s because I am a bit of an introvert (or more than I like to admit) or maybe the chance of enjoying things done by yourself is so high it’s scary. It scared me, at first anyway. But now I take solace in going to the grocery store by myself and it’s not only because grocery stores are my pseudo-sanctuary. I then started to go shopping by myself at the mall and it’s a different kind of fun. I love my friends and family. I would go shopping with them in a flash to help them choose a dress/button-up or see how things fit but there is a peace in the time spent alone.
I understand though, it’s nice to go with a person to things. But just once, do something you’d do with a friend, but do it alone. A few weeks ago I went to the movies for the first time by myself and I have to tell you: it was weird. Granted, there was only two other people there but they were an older couple and I don’t know, I felt weird. But here’s the thing: that’s normal! Feel weird but just embrace it. It’s a lot easier that way. And you’ll thank yourself later…I think. -shrug- Who am I to know and tell?
Here’s what I’ve gathered:
– Going on bike rides with friends is fun. Go by yourself too, it’s freeing.
– Going to an exercise class with friends is motivating. Go by yourself, you don’t know anyone so there is none of that “judgment cloud” hovering over you…or is that just me?
– Going to a concert with friends is fun, but is it more fun than going alone? I think it depends but I always tell people to go to a show by themselves at least once, it’s different for sure. I’ve got a couple of stories about it.
Here are some things I need to/want to do alone but haven’t yet:
– Eat at a fancy restaurant alone (I’ve eaten at WF alone plenty, it’s a wonderful place for people watching)
– Go to an exercise class by myself, whoops, I feel like there’s a judgment cloud either way
– I’m sure you’ve seen this video, but if you haven’t click here
Have you done something alone and have a observation about it? Let’s talk.
thu, texas 
Solo vacations. Love them. Every year.
Ironically, you end up having more time to catch up with people. When I vacation alone, I’ll call someone I haven’t talked to in a while and just catch up.
Definitely putting solo vacay on my list. When I graduate, I’m definitely coming to you to see where I should go! Thanks for reading my blog ❤
I’ve never told you but I love reading your posts! Keep it up. From someone who travels frequently for work, and also living alone, I can admit to simply finding the perfect ‘balance’ of alone time, and shared time. Movies alone – all the time when going somewhere where I don’t know anyone. It’s entertainment. Sightseeing alone–needs improvement. I always feel like I should share this time with someone, unless it’s somewhere spectacular, I’m going to take full advantage of my time there.
Aw shucks, thank you for reading my blog, it means a lot. (I might blog about that actually, ha.) Finding balance – I agree. I guess because I’ve never lived alone, I don’t know what it’s really like but I am terribly introverted, I love just thinking by myself. I’m more focused that way. I think on sightseeing- maybe go together but experience both together and alone.
I went to fitness classes by myself regularly this semester and one of the best concerts I went to (Girls) was one I went to alone. I guess when I do things by myself I don’t have to worry about losing someone or where they are and more of my time is spent doing what I want to do.
Thanks for reading my blog post Nguyen! Which classes did you take? Did you like it? I’m pretty nervous about going to the gym by myself but I don’t want to go with friends either, ha. I ride by myself a lot though. And concerts- definitely, I remember going to Local Natives, my first show alone at ACL and it was the best. I sang really loud, I danced around. For some reason, the new thing is when I go to concerts by myself, I always get approached by people..luckily in Austin, they are super friendly
I took kickboxing and yoga. I think zumba is a good starting point for lone fitness classes. 1.) you don’t really need to know anything, 2.) everyone looks equally ridiculous, and 3.) most people are too busy looking at the instructor to worry about what everyone else is doing (from my experience) . And yeah, I find people are usually more approachable when there’s not someone else there.
I love going to spin alone. I don’t think the judgement class is ever absent in a fitness class, but it’s definitely less present when you’re by yourself. It makes it a lot easier to talk with other people in the class, which is fun! I’ve had some cool conversations with strangers about cycling, health, etc.
You mean judgment “cloud”? Understood. 2013: Thu goes to spin by herself! Might need some motivation..
Oops… too many words in my head. But yeah, do it! Motivation? I got your back.
Man, I feel that judgement cloud regardless of company. As long as there’s a mirror, there’s a judgement cloud 😐