5 Things You Should Be Able to Do Alone

Would you see a movie alone? Go to a restaurant? Take a walk? Anything?

I spend a lot of time alone. Intentionally so. I like being alone, but I wasn’t always that way. I used to refuse to do anything alone. Partially because I wanted a companion around, and partially because I wasn’t able to do a whole lot alone. A few years ago, being alone meant lounging on the couch, watching TV. Don’t get me wrong, I still definitely do that, but I’m a little more comfortable being alone now. I noticed my want to be alone getting really strong in college.

In between classes, I’d oftentimes eat at the dining halls alone or sit outside alone, and my friends would always want to come alone. Of course, I loved spending time with them. But sometimes I just want to spend some time with myself. I know a lot of people who will refuse to do certain public activities alone, and that’s fine. But I’m an introvert at heart. Maybe that’s the difference.

Today I wanted to talk about 5 instances I think you should be comfortable doing alone sometimes.

Eat a meal

This goes for both eating out alone and cooking an actual meal at home for yourself. I know I’m not alone here. Sometimes when I’m alone in the evenings, I’ll refrain from actually cooking a full meal. I’ll have a side or order takeout. I come from a family of 6, so I’m used to cooking large meals. I know I can just make smaller portions when it’s just me, but for some reason it’s hard. You should be able to eat a good meal at home, even if it’s just you.

Additionally, I personally think you should be able to go to a restaurant alone. Have you ever been out shopping or running errands, and  you get hungry? I have never minded eating alone, but I know tons of people who have. And if you actually do it, you’ll notice there are a lot of people alone, especially at lunch times. I usually just take a book or magazine, eat my meal, and then you leave. More people eat alone than you think.

See a movie

Would you go to a movie alone? Some, like me, would give you an enthusiastic “sure!” Others will break into a panicked sweat, from the fear of being alone when everyone else is not alone. It’s okay, you’re not alone. But I think you should try it sometime. Not only do you have sole control over the move you see, but you get to sit with full focus on the film.

Go shopping

Like seeing a movie, I enjoy shopping alone. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good girl’s shopping trip, but when I’m with friends, I tend to spend more than I want to do and buy things I don’t need. When I’m alone, I don’t have anyone’s opinion to ask for, and I quickly decide if I really like the product or not. The trip also tends to be significantly quicker. So when I want to run into the store quickly for a few things, I’m out, generally with the same few things on my list.

Basic household fixes + chores

Whether you live alone or with a roommate or partner, there are some household chores you should be able to do alone. Small things like hanging pictures on the wall, getting things off the top shelf, or getting a stain out of the carpet will come in handy if you find yourself alone. Now, if you ask my boyfriend, he’ll say I can’t do any of these things without help. I can … I just want him to feel needed (;

Get dressed up

I know plenty of people who only get dressed up when they have others around to encourage it. But I don’t like, or follow, that  mentality. I think if you want to dress up and love the clothes you’re in, you should do that alone or with peers. I rarely stay in PJ’s or sweats when I’m at the house. At the very least, I throw on a pair of jeans and a blouse.

If you’re one of those people who refrain from wearing “nice” clothing or looking “put together” unless there’s someone around, you should change your perspective a bit. Dressing for the day can boost your productivity, and getting more done in a day won’t have anyone complaining.

 

Do you do any of these things alone, or do you refuse?