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Go It Alone

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The recent death of Philip Seymour Hoffman commanded the attention of film lovers the world over. For me, it reminded me of the first time I ever went to the cinema by myself. I was desperate to see Capote, being a huge fan of the real author's two most well known books: Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood. Nobody was interested in coming with me so I bit the bullet and went alone. The film was incredible and I was compelled to call everyone I know to tell them how amazing it was. The feeling of watching it alone was liberating though. I felt like I had a glorious secret all of my own, like I'd been privy to something new and exclusive and was surprised to not feel lonely or disappointed that I wasn't sharing this experience with someone else. 

Recently, I've not been to see films or gigs that I've really wanted to if I haven't had anyone to go with and I this recent memory of my. Capote adventure reminded me that life is too short to not do what you want. The world of social media means that in the past I've been to gigs alone and met up with other super fans along the way (some of which are now some of my closest friends!). I've been able to dance and sing as much as I would have with other friends; my experience hasn't been bad, just different. 

With my trip to Australia coming up I am embarking on my biggest 'alone' adventure. A 20 hour flight by myself and spending days by myself discovering somewhere new. I have a safety blanket of friends being in the cities I am visiting but I certainly won't be with them 24/7. I will have to learn to enjoy my own company, especially as I won't have access to my phone due to extortionate roaming charges (cheers EE). I'm apprehensive but I'm excited, and I'm going to use this to encourage myself to keep doing the things I want to do regardless of whether I have someone to join me. 

Do you go ever head out alone? What encourages you or puts you off?

6 comments

  1. I do things alone all the time and I work alone most of the time - there's a nice sense of satisfaction in learning to be on your own sometimes… It's also a great way to bank stories for when you do hang out with others… Have fun in Australia!!! xx

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    1. I definitely want to learn to enjoy my own company, hopefully life will be a bit calmer that way too!
      Cx

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  2. Because I work a ridiculous amount of hours and the time off I do have is random, I seemingly spend a lot of time on my own. Often this is spent reading or catching up on some TV (running a pub, you don't have any energy for anything else) however because I also live where I work I often get the shakes from pure cabin fever! One day I desperately needed to get away so I took myself to another pub and treated myself to a bottle of merlot and a cheeseboard and devoured a copy of Vogue by the fireplace. I couldn't have cared less who saw or knew I was on my own and I think that's the trick to not looking like a sad loner! Indulge in the alone time - the most attractive and interesting people in the world are those who look like they're having the most fun without a care in the world and regardless of who they're with (or without!)!

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    1. Merlot, cheese and Vogue sounds like the perfect alone time, I wouldn't want anyone to barge in on that! Sounds so liberating, thanks for commenting!
      Cx

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  3. I genuinely feel that I could go a little crazy without regular alone time! I hate missing out on gigs or events because my friends aren't interested and have always had a great time when I've ventured out on my own. Good luck in Australia!

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  4. i'm quite independent and love being alone. i go shopping by myself always and will go to the cinema no problem but i've never travelled by myself! i also sometimes find eating in a restaurant alone to be a bit uncomfortable but once i have a book or something to do it's fine!! :)
    xxx
    http://eleanorcos.blogspot.com/

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Cx

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