Why You Should Consider Going Out By Yourself
Whether you’re newly single, live far from friends, or simply haven’t found your people yet, learning to enjoy your own company is a valuable skill.
It’s weird to call that a skill, but you’d be surprised at how many people are intimidated by, say, eating out at a restaurant by themselves. Maybe you’re one of them.
Being alone doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely—in fact, stepping out in solitude can teach you lessons about yourself that are difficult to uncover in the presence of others.
But let’s be honest: doing things solo can feel intimidating. Why does it seem so odd to head out into the world on your own?
Why Being By Yourself Feels Strange
For many, the idea of being seen alone triggers feelings of self-consciousness. We worry that others will judge us or think we’re out of place. Without the buffer of a companion, we’re left with fewer distractions to shield us from our thoughts. And of course, there’s the entirely valid desire to share experiences with others. After all, part of the joy of life is connecting over what we’ve seen, tasted, or explored.
With that being said, there are distinct benefits to stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing moments of solitude.
Things I’ve Done Solo
Over the years, I’ve leaned into solo experiences, and they’ve often been surprisingly rewarding. Here are some things I’ve done alone that helped me learn to enjoy my own company:
Spent a birthday overseas: Celebrating on my terms gave me the freedom to create a day that was entirely mine.
Gone to the movies: Watching a film solo allows me to immerse myself fully in the story without feeling the need to chat or compromise on movie choices.
Weekend breakfasts at a café: This has become a comforting ritual for me. With no pressure to split the bill or linger longer than I want, I can savor the experience on my own timeline.
Concerts: This is probably one of the more advanced ones, but I especially love when I want to go to a concert and get a great seat last-minute because I’m only looking for one ticket. This has happened several times where you sneak a great spot because you don’t need seats together or in the same section.
These solo outings have been empowering, reminding me that I don’t need company to enjoy myself.
Benefits of Doing Things Alone
Being by yourself opens the door to self-reflection and independence. You don’t have to compromise on where to go, what to eat, or how long to stay. Solitude gives you the chance to focus entirely on the experience, whether it’s exploring a new city or soaking in the atmosphere of a quiet café.
There’s also a kind of confidence that grows when you learn to move through life solo. You realise that your own company can be just as fulfilling as being with someone else.
And while I’ve emphasized the joy of experiencing something ‘alone’ the truth is, in my experience, that being out solo makes it more likely that you’ll interact with new people. Sometimes when we go out with friends we can unintentionally create a bubble around ourselves. Going out by yourself might mean having a more interesting conversation with the bartender or connecting with someone who is out walking their dog. There’s something less intimidating about a person who is out by themselves.
Some Activities Are Even Better Solo
Certain experiences can actually be more enjoyable when done alone. I mentioned some of these before but I do highly recommend trying them if you can.
Solo Travel: When you’re the sole decision-maker, you can move at your own pace, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, or spend hours wandering a museum without feeling rushed.
Early morning activities: As an early bird, I love starting my day while the world is still waking up. Being solo means I can embrace my rhythm without waiting for a night owl to join me.
Watching a movie: Seeing a film by myself allows me to become fully immersed in the story, uninterrupted by whispered commentary or shared popcorn.
Staying Safe on Your Solo Dates
I always get a bit sad when I have to write about this topic of being a single woman in a public space. It is true that there is an extra level of caution I probably use as a female when I go out. Being aware of your surroundings, staying in well-populated spaces, making friends with the people who work at your local café, these are things that might make you feel more comfortable. I also try not to be too predictable in my schedule, you just never know if someone is tracking you. You’ll have to determine what feels right for you but I wanted to make sure I at least brought this up. Please don’t let this deter you from trying solo dates with yourself though!
Embracing the Solitude
Doing things alone doesn’t have to feel like a consolation prize. Instead, it can be a celebration of your independence and self-sufficiency. The more you practice stepping out in solitude, the more you’ll realise how rewarding it can be. So, whether it’s trying that new café, booking a solo trip, or simply taking a walk without your phone, I promise it’s not that scary.