I thoroughly enjoy my own company. Whether it’s going to the movies, dining, shopping, attending parties/openings, exercising…all of it, I can do alone and with ease. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to turn down an invitation if I can and want to make it, but for the majority of the time, I’m okay going alone.
When I’m out solo, I’m always surprised by the questions posed by curious strangers:
“You came out alone?”
“Is it just you dining with us tonight?”
“May I buy you a drink?”
“I could never go to (fill in the blank) alone…”
“May I join you/will you join me?”
My answers to these questions are usually the same:
“Yes. And I know karate.”
“No, not just me, but I will be dining alone.”
“Yes. Dirty Ciroc, up with a lemon twist. Thank you.”
“I’m so sorry for you…”
“Hmmm…depends.” (On my mood)
Many have inquired, “Why do you go solo? Don’t you have any friends?” and while I find this question rude, I will typically respond: “I do have plenty of friends, and I enjoy a good night on the town solo every now again. Thanks for asking…” Sometimes this turns into a debate about going out single in the city, and I get it. I can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing…fodder for another post.
The goal when out and about is usually to get a bit of “me time” and hopefully get inspired to write something profound—like I’m doing now, or maybe I’m working on one of my novels and I’m blocked. Somehow, being out amongst the general public rejuvenates me and gets the creative juices flowing.
The thing is that I’m not alone. There are other people out and about watching the same movie, dining, shopping, exercising, and imbibing coffee and other vices at the party/gallery/museum/coffee shop. I’ve met some interesting and not so interesting people during my solo adventures. AND I’ve found that others are less intimidated to strike up a conversation when I’m alone, but almost always, there’s a great story to tell at the end of the outing.
Take for instance my dining experience at Zed 451 (WHERE). I’d only heard about it and the hype drew me in. It’s billed as a “dining experience” and the website doesn’t offer much else, increasing the intrigue. A kind host, noting that I was alone, sat me at the chef’s table. WHAT I wore: pastel chiffon dress—flowy and girly paired with hot gold gladiator sandals—yet another much-hyped item that enticed me. WHO I saw: lots of people. Some ate at the chef’s table, while others I met in the “common section” which is much like a buffet of sides. The “meat waiters” were great, as they presented me with their carnivorous forté: lamb, venison, chicken, pork, several varieties of seafood, steak, and they battled for my approval. HOW late was I? Not one second. Another plus for going out solo…you’re never late! WHY I would go back: the scenery is great, the food is wonderful, the people watching at the bar or on the rooftop is grand, and did I mention the food?
It’s always nice to treat yourself to an indulgence now and again, and experiencing it all as a party of one can really be an added bonus. Try it…you might like it, and perhaps we’ll meet. You can buy me a drink, or better. There’s nothing sexier than a man who offers to buy me dinner just because and on a whim. Not only is it a random act of kindness and completely unnecessary, but it makes a great story, it’s just so manly—which brings me to my next topic: When did men become women? But that’s for next time.
No comments:
Post a Comment