Doing stuff alone

[Deleted]

I'd go out to lunch on my own, but I wouldn't go to a sit-down dinner (with a waiter) by myself.  I'd rather just pick something up and sit in my own house or in-front of the TV and eat.  

Ditto with movies...I guess I wouldn't be opposed to going to the movies by myself, but wouldn't really think to just randomly go see a movie by myself.

I'm to the point now where I don't really even like watching TV by myself though.  All my friends at work watch The following, Walking Dead, or Blacklist and I tell them I don't watch it because my wife doesn't like those types of shows.  They look at me like I'm from another planet and say "What, you don't have more than 1 TV?".  

[Bob Ross]

The problem with not doing stuff alone is that sometimes, the bushes aren't big enough and you have to share the binoculars.

And that's just weird.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 24, 2014 20:46:23 GMT -5 @davebo said:

I'd go out to lunch on my own, but I wouldn't go to a sit-down dinner (with a waiter) by myself.  I'd rather just pick something up and sit in my own house or in-front of the TV and eat.  

Ditto with movies...I guess I wouldn't be opposed to going to the movies by myself, but wouldn't really think to just randomly go see a movie by myself.

I'm to the point now where I don't really even like watching TV by myself though.  All my friends at work watch The following, Walking Dead, or Blacklist and I tell them I don't watch it because my wife doesn't like those types of shows.  They look at me like I'm from another planet and say "What, you don't have more than 1 TV?".  

I do all three and it doesn't bother me at all.  If I can't find someone else interested in doing something I'm interested in doing, I don't see the value in denying myself that activity just because it's only me.  Why punish myself for having eclectic interests?

A good book solves the sit-down dinner dilemma, and going to a movie alone means I don't have to listen to anyone else's commentary during the movie (which happens all the time with my friends!).

Heck, I've gone on vacation alone, so a movie or a dinner alone doesn't even hit my radar. 

[Shooby]

Sometimes you can't find people that want to do the things you want to do. I love to ski. And we don't live that far from a ski slope. But, most people just simply don't want to spend the money. I know some skiers who just dont' go anymore because of the cost. Fortunately I made a new friend this year and found out she skis. She hadn't gone in years. But, I asked her to go and she brought her 3 daughters and I brought my daughter and we had a great time. But, a lot of times people just don't value the same expenditures as I do.

[Deleted]

Mar 26, 2014 10:53:31 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

Mar 24, 2014 20:46:23 GMT -5 @davebo said:

I'd go out to lunch on my own, but I wouldn't go to a sit-down dinner (with a waiter) by myself.  I'd rather just pick something up and sit in my own house or in-front of the TV and eat.  

Ditto with movies...I guess I wouldn't be opposed to going to the movies by myself, but wouldn't really think to just randomly go see a movie by myself.

I'm to the point now where I don't really even like watching TV by myself though.  All my friends at work watch The following, Walking Dead, or Blacklist and I tell them I don't watch it because my wife doesn't like those types of shows.  They look at me like I'm from another planet and say "What, you don't have more than 1 TV?".  

I do all three and it doesn't bother me at all.  If I can't find someone else interested in doing something I'm interested in doing, I don't see the value in denying myself that activity just because it's only me.  Why punish myself for having eclectic interests?

A good book solves the sit-down dinner dilemma, and going to a movie alone means I don't have to listen to anyone else's commentary during the movie (which happens all the time with my friends!).

Heck, I've gone on vacation alone, so a movie or a dinner alone doesn't even hit my radar. 

Same here. I have no problem dining alone, even fine dining. I also enjoy hiking (or as I call them "phototreks"), concerts, movies, etc by myself.

I love to travel by myself. Roadtrips are awesome when you only have to worry about the capacity of your own bladder. Even group tours (with strangers) are fun. I was the only single in a tour group in Costa Rica. Just introduced myself to the group the first night and said the I was highly adoptable for interesting dinner conversation. By the end of the trip, I had shared at least one meal with every couple/family on the tour. I was also the designated photographer for anyone wanting group pictures.

[sapphire12]

Mar 26, 2014 10:53:31 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

Mar 24, 2014 20:46:23 GMT -5 @davebo said:

I do all three and it doesn't bother me at all.  If I can't find someone else interested in doing something I'm interested in doing, I don't see the value in denying myself that activity just because it's only me.  Why punish myself for having eclectic interests?

A good book solves the sit-down dinner dilemma, and going to a movie alone means I don't have to listen to anyone else's commentary during the movie (which happens all the time with my friends!).

Heck, I've gone on vacation alone, so a movie or a dinner alone doesn't even hit my radar. 

LOL. I'm with you there Rocky.

I like to go to museums and other interesting places like that alone. I can move at my own pace and focus on what I want. I went to the Air & Space Museum to see the Space Shuttle. I went late and on a day when schools wouldn't do field trips. I had a blast.

I took a tour of Montreal by myself. That was fun.

I've been to tennis matches by myself. Even though, I'm an introvert, I always end up talking to the people near me.

I want to take a vacation by myself.

I went to Egypt in 2008. That was my dream trip. I'm glad I got to go before this latest upheaval. Hopefully, it will be nice again.

Istanbul, Turkey was a blast a few years back. I'd like to go back one day.

On one of my cruisess, I met an elderly widow who took cruises by himself as a way to socialize after his wife's death. Ironically, I find a way to wander alone on a ship full of people. LOL.

[Deleted]

Mar 26, 2014 10:53:31 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

Mar 24, 2014 20:46:23 GMT -5 @davebo said:

I'd go out to lunch on my own, but I wouldn't go to a sit-down dinner (with a waiter) by myself.  I'd rather just pick something up and sit in my own house or in-front of the TV and eat.  

Ditto with movies...I guess I wouldn't be opposed to going to the movies by myself, but wouldn't really think to just randomly go see a movie by myself.

I'm to the point now where I don't really even like watching TV by myself though.  All my friends at work watch The following, Walking Dead, or Blacklist and I tell them I don't watch it because my wife doesn't like those types of shows.  They look at me like I'm from another planet and say "What, you don't have more than 1 TV?".  

I do all three and it doesn't bother me at all.  If I can't find someone else interested in doing something I'm interested in doing, I don't see the value in denying myself that activity just because it's only me.  Why punish myself for having eclectic interests?

A good book solves the sit-down dinner dilemma, and going to a movie alone means I don't have to listen to anyone else's commentary during the movie (which happens all the time with my friends!).

Heck, I've gone on vacation alone, so a movie or a dinner alone doesn't even hit my radar. 

I don't think most people view it as denying themselves.  I know I just put a higher value on spending time with people over going to the EXACT spot that I want to go at the exact time.  

It's not that I'd be embarrassed to sit in a sit-down restaurant by myself, it's just that I wouldn't see the point of it.  I don't get any value out of the additional services in a restaurant so I'd rather just eat at my own house.  

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I'm to the point now where I don't really even like watching TV by myself though. All my friends at work watch The following, Walking Dead, or Blacklist and I tell them I don't watch it because my wife doesn't like those types of shows

No DVR/Hopper/TiVo?

DH likes American Horror Story, I do not. He records it the night its on and watches it later when I'm not around. Easy.

I'd hate to be limited to solely what DH is interested in on the TV. We have shows we watch together but we also have our own tastes.

We do own a second TV, that's so we don't have to watch Nick Jr 24/7. That only interests the kid.

[muttleynfelix]

I love hiking alone. I use to do it all the time in college.  Good times.  Now I'm lucky if I can go hiking just me and DH.

[Shooby]

I wouldn't hike alone in the woods. I just dont' feel comfortable. We have a lot of rails to trails here. I used to go but one time I met up along the path with a shady character. Nothing happened but it freaked me out a bit. So, I am not sure that hiking alone is a good plan. But, that's just me.

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 26, 2014 13:34:33 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

I'm to the point now where I don't really even like watching TV by myself though. All my friends at work watch The following, Walking Dead, or Blacklist and I tell them I don't watch it because my wife doesn't like those types of shows

No DVR/Hopper/TiVo?

DH likes American Horror Story, I do not. He records it the night its on and watches it later when I'm not around. Easy.

I'd hate to be limited to solely what DH is interested in on the TV. We have shows we watch together but we also have our own tastes.

We do own a second TV, that's so we don't have to watch Nick Jr 24/7. That only interests the kid.

I can't share my TV with anyone.  I like my shows, and I want to watch them when I want to watch them.  There's very little I share in TV tastes with my roommate. 

[Rocky Mtn Saver]

Mar 26, 2014 13:28:35 GMT -5 @davebo said:

Mar 26, 2014 10:53:31 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

I do all three and it doesn't bother me at all.  If I can't find someone else interested in doing something I'm interested in doing, I don't see the value in denying myself that activity just because it's only me.  Why punish myself for having eclectic interests?

A good book solves the sit-down dinner dilemma, and going to a movie alone means I don't have to listen to anyone else's commentary during the movie (which happens all the time with my friends!).

Heck, I've gone on vacation alone, so a movie or a dinner alone doesn't even hit my radar. 

I don't think most people view it as denying themselves.  I know I just put a higher value on spending time with people over going to the EXACT spot that I want to go at the exact time.  

It's not that I'd be embarrassed to sit in a sit-down restaurant by myself, it's just that I wouldn't see the point of it.  I don't get any value out of the additional services in a restaurant so I'd rather just eat at my own house.  

What if there's a movie playing that you want to see but your spouse or friends don't want to?  Or, as someone pointed out, a city you'd like to visit that totally doesn't interest your spouse or a museum of stuff that only interests you? 

ETA:  I should clarify that I don't make a regular habit of going out to dinner alone just for kicks and giggles, but it doesn't bother me when it happens either.  My point is more that it's all the same to me.   

[cael]

I loooove being alone. Driving by myself, taking a walk or run by myself or just hanging out at home when DH is at work are my favorite times to relax and decompress. I'm an overthinker and an introvert and I need that alone time to think about and process stuff. I like going out and doing some things alone, but I don't think I'd like to go to a show or concert alone... for some reason I guess for events I want to go with someone, most anything else I'd do on my own. I plan on doing some solo hiking this summer, just because DH will be working most weekends. It doesn't bother me as long as I have my phone and tell everyone where I'm going, in case I don't show up at home at the end of the day (I also go to pretty popular areas where the trails won't be empty). Hiking by yourself is actually super zen, I really like it.

I do like going out with and being with people! But I definitely need a healthy balance of alone time so I can keep my sanity about me

[whoisjohngalt]

I was one of those people who looooved long commute home bc it was pretty much the only time (except for using the bathroom) that I was alone.

Now I loooove when my husband takes the kids to IL's.  OMG, I am in heaven.

It is kind of sad that I don't have "that" person that I can do things with and still feel like I am not drowning in idle chit chat or being pulled to do things I don't want to do.    May be one day

[muttleynfelix]

Mar 26, 2014 13:45:23 GMT -5 Shooby said:

I wouldn't hike alone in the woods. I just dont' feel comfortable. We have a lot of rails to trails here. I used to go but one time I met up along the path with a shady character. Nothing happened but it freaked me out a bit. So, I am not sure that hiking alone is a good plan. But, that's just me.

You do what you feel comfortable with and I'll do what makes me feel comfortable.  I grew up hiking in the woods all around my parents property. It is something I am very comfortable with.

In college I would go to a couple places in the National Forest. My Freshman year I came back from winter break early because I had track practice. We had a day off and I went out to the National Forest to hike. I ended up off a trail and just tromping through the woods. Found my way back to the "road" and realized I was a mile from my car and I needed to be back to town in about 30 minutes and it was 30 minute drive. I started bookin it down the road except I forget I had to ford the creek.  Fortunately as soon as I got to the creek a truck was heading my direction a 70 year old guy with 2 yippy dogs in his truck and rifle in the back and he offered me a ride and accepted.  It was either that or wade through a foot of water on a January day.    I got a good vibe from the guy.  Besides, I figured if anything happened, I could out run him and hide in the woods. When I got back to town some of my male friends freaked out at the story telling me "he could have raped and killed you", but my female friends agreed with my assessment. He really was just a big ole teddy bear. 

[Shooby]

What part of "that's just me" didn't you understand?

[Deleted]

Mar 27, 2014 8:34:40 GMT -5 Shooby said:

What part of "that's just me" didn't you understand?

You're a Republican.  Aren't you packing heat? 

[Shooby]

I have rifles and a concealed weapons permit but I dont' own a pistol. YET.

[Deleted]

Well get one and hike without fear!

Actually, these days, my only worry about hiking alone would be falling and getting hurt.  Psychos and wildlife aren't really something I think about.

[Icelandic Woman]

Love being alone!!! I am also an introvert and not a big talker so being alone is what I like most. I only go out a couple of times a year and that is usually on some kind of occasion so that is usually with others.

[Deleted]

Mar 26, 2014 14:25:33 GMT -5 Rocky Mtn Saver said:

Mar 26, 2014 13:28:35 GMT -5 @davebo said:

I don't think most people view it as denying themselves.  I know I just put a higher value on spending time with people over going to the EXACT spot that I want to go at the exact time.  

It's not that I'd be embarrassed to sit in a sit-down restaurant by myself, it's just that I wouldn't see the point of it.  I don't get any value out of the additional services in a restaurant so I'd rather just eat at my own house.  

What if there's a movie playing that you want to see but your spouse or friends don't want to?  Or, as someone pointed out, a city you'd like to visit that totally doesn't interest your spouse or a museum of stuff that only interests you? 

ETA:  I should clarify that I don't make a regular habit of going out to dinner alone just for kicks and giggles, but it doesn't bother me when it happens either.  My point is more that it's all the same to me.   

There really aren't many movies that I REALLY want to see, but if I do then my wife will go with me.  In the off chance that I really want to see a movie that she doesn't, then I'll just wait until it comes out on DVD.  

I guess some of that just has to do with my stage of life maybe.  I have a 3 kids under the age of 6, so I don't really care where we go when we're going out to eat alone.  Ditto with vacations.  And I can't exactly justify taking off to go see a movie and leaving the kids/wife back home, so I'd rather just find something everyone can do.  Maybe it'd be a different story if me and my wife were putzing around the house all day long.