Would you attend an event or dinner alone?

[Sloan1874]

I have no problem at all going out to events by myself. If it's a social thing, then the nine-degrees of separation rule tends to work and I'll find I know somebody that I'll meet. As it is, it's always good to practice your social niceties and keep your conversational skills sharp - I tend to think that the ability to meet a stranger, take an interest in what they're saying and make their acquaintance is one that's fading from society.

 

[Tomasso]

the ability to meet a stranger, take an interest in what they're saying and make their acquaintance is one that's fading from society.

A person with that ability is said to have "never met a stranger."

 

[PrettySquareGal]

A person with that ability is said to have "never met a stranger."

Do you think, though, that if it is a woman who is making chit chat with strangers, male or female, that she would be viewed differently than a man doing the same?

 

[Two Types]

Restaurants: Eating alone doesn't bother me. I can happily relax and just get on with enjoying the food and drink.
Concerts: Again, no problem.

I would always rather go with someone else but, when the option isn't there, you've just got to get on with life. I always like to go to the cinema with someone since it's nice to be able to discuss a film afterwards.

As for the pub: drinking alone is one of life's great pleasures. I know people often think drinking alone is a sign of some lonely alcoholic, but that's ridiculous. I can think of few things i enjoy more than dropping into the pub, preferably in the afternoon, and having a quiet beer whilst reading a book or newspaper. I just wish that pubs still had that lovly aroma of tobacco to make the experience complete (and, before anyone brings up the evils of tobacco, I'm a non-smoker).

Having said all that, i appreciate that doing these things alone is a lot more pleasant if you know you will be going home to your partner and kids. Time spent alone and loneliness are two very different things.

 

[dh66]

Factor the cost of a babysitter (usually $12-15 per hr.) into the already exorbitant cost of attending a concert or event these days, and it's easy to understand why the wife or I would be flying solo. As for restaurants, for lunch all the time, but rarely dinner. Dinnertime is best spent with family.
Years ago when I was single, though, I still had no problem with going out alone.

Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2

 

[HudsonHawk]

Hi

I travel a little, and I just moved to a new state so I eat out quite a bit by myself. I'd rather be out of the apartment then cook for myself. I do try to avoid restaurants during their more crowded times. I don't commonly go to movies by myself, or concerts, but a 60 year old guy I work with does it all of the time. His wife and kids are still back home and he's working here. Our company is always moving people around.

Later

I did the "living apart together" thing for 3 years. I lived in worked in one city, 600 miles from my "home" city, where my wife stayed. It actually wasn't too bad. It's not the way you'd draw it up, but you can make it work. Of course, not having kids made it a lot easier.

 

[Stanley Doble]

There is no longer a golden era stigma of a lady going out "unescorted," however there is a social stigma for both genders now, it seems, for doing certain things alone. If you see someone eating alone in a non-fast food retaurant, the assumption is usually that they don't have friends. (But why should one care?)

Ladies:

Do you or would you eat at a nice restaurant alone? Why or why not?

Would you go to a concert alone if no one you knew shared your taste for the musicians? Why or why not?

Gents:

Same questions.

No.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Do you think, though, that if it is a woman who is making chit chat with strangers, male or female, that she would be viewed differently than a man doing the same?

Doesn't seem to be the case for me -- if anythng, I have trouble avoiding chit-chat with strangers unless I hold my paper over my face and avoid their gaze. Everybody knows me around town, even if I don't know them, and it's rare that I can sit down to eat without somebody wanting to know what the movie is this week or if there are tickets left for something or other.

I want a hat like a taxicab sign with a light I can turn on that says OFF DUTY.

 

[3fingers]

Do you think, though, that if it is a woman who is making chit chat with strangers, male or female, that she would be viewed differently than a man doing the same?

It might be that some would think that way, but I don't. Everywhere I go, there is always somebody to visit with, and I learn something from all of them. Actually, in my experience many times the lady will speak first, and that is fine with me. I enjoy visiting with all kinds of people and have never given a moment's thought to it not being proper to visit with a lady, regardless of who begins the conversation. The only time I could see it being a problem is if there is a jealous spouse or companion involved. I've known people who could not stand their spouse or significant other chatting with anyone of the opposite sex, regardless of the topic. I've been tempted to tell the glaring male that I had no plans to run off with his wife and if he would talk to her, maybe she wouldn't be passing the time visiting with other people. I suppose that may just escalate the level of displeasure though. :boxing:

 

[Sharpsburg]

There seems to be a false assumption that EVERYONE is part of a couple or pair. Not so. And not being in one does not mean that life comes to a halt. While I would hesitate to eat alone in a really fancy rest. I would definitely not hesitate to go everywhere else alone.

 

[Dragon Soldier]

I travelled half way round Europe on my own about 6/7 years ago. Many restaurants, cafes, bars, concert venues and rugby stadia were visited. Talked to people when I was in the mood, didn't when I wasnt. Never felt in the least awkward.

 

[Lily Powers]

If my friends or boyfriend don't want to see the same concert or movie, why should I miss out? It's no problem for me to go alone - I know I'll be surrounded by others who enjoy the same music, art, movie or whatever so the conversations will be easy. I can come and go at my own pace and when I get home, I can bring more to the table sharing about the event.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

When I was single I traveled everywhere by myself, from Venice to Madrid to the DR. I made friends, had all sorts of adventures, and took some amazing photos.

Now I am married and I still do all of those things, but with someone and it is more amazing.

It never felt weird doing it alone, but now it is wonderful sharing the world with someone else and following their passions too on occasion.

It's important to get out there; see the world, see shows, experience life, and you will be amazed at where you end up.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

I attended a concert by myself this past weekend and had a blast! I made new connections and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I would do it again!

 

[mojoboots]

Doing things alone is probably the greatest way to meet people!