A few months ago a
friend and I were at a concert when saw a woman arrive alone. My friend asked me if I would go to a event
alone. I chuckled because I thought she
knew me well enough to know I have no problem going solo. I go to lunch, shopping, community events,
and concerts by myself; mainly because I know when I get there I will encounter
like-minded individuals. I reminded her
of a time that I posted on Facebook about the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and
she said she was there with her daughter and grand-daughter…well I went there
alone.
During the conversation
I shared with her a story about someone who wanted to attend a concert in her
city. The act was someone she had never
seen before and was fearful it may be her last chance to see him. She really wanted to be there but didn’t know
anyone who wanted to attend. I was like
girl, that arena holds 70,000 people, I am sure a few of them will be people
you know. She quickly added that she
wanted to go with someone, you know sit next to someone she knew.
I told my friend what I
told this person, you can’t miss opportunities that are important to you
because someone else doesn’t share your same interest. A lot of the times that I go solo are because
I’ve made a last minute decision…literally.
However, if I ask a couple of people to hang-out with me and no one is
interested, I’m not going to use that as a reason to stay home. So, if you are about to deny yourself a trip to
your favorite restaurant or miss-out on an artist you adore, remember this:
You
really won’t be alone
Like the person who was
going to miss the chance to see an icon in concert, there were going to be
69,999 other fans there. People she
shared a common interest with by default. At concerts people are there to enjoy
the person on stage. Once the
entertainer walks out it is all eyes on him and her, you’ll be having such a
good time you won’t even care if a friend is next to you.
You’ll
meet new people
I have never left a
concert or event without having a friendly exchange with the person next to me;
doesn’t matter if I am there solo or with someone. In some cases we have even
exchanged contact information or become acquaintances via social media. One of three things will likely happen when
you go unaccompanied. One, the people
on either side of you will feel like they have to be friendly because you
obviously don’t have good friends in your life, otherwise they would have sacrificed
to come with you (just joking). Two, the
people next to you are just really friendly people and they will include you in
their group, because they believe the more the merrier (most likely to happen).
Or three, you’ll come out of your shell because the entertainer is singing your
favorite song and it’s also the person next to you, favorite song. Or, the speaker has said something so
awe-inspiring you turn to your neighbor just to say “wow.” Either way, by the end of the night you will
have forgotten that you arrived alone, and will have made a new acquaintance (very
common occurrences).
You
may never get this chance again
Earlier this year
Prince Rogers Nelson transitioned from this life. I am still in disbelief that he is gone. Can you even imagine your all-time favorite
artist, someone you have idolized since you were 12 years old, coming to town
and you not going to their concert because your friends couldn’t make it? Even more tragic, what if a year or two later
that person died? Oh honey no, tomorrow
isn’t promised to any of us, so don’t you dare allow rare moments to escape you
over small stuff. Think of it this way,
even if you attend an event with someone, what is the guarantee that he or she
is even going to enjoy it the way that you do.
On
dining alone
This is something I
find myself doing more and more. I love
to eat, I love going to different places and trying new things, but a lot of
people are stuck on chain restaurants.
One thing I love about where I live is that we are catching up with the
world and restaurants are offering outside seating. Don’t want to feel alone, pull out your
smartphone or tablet and watch your favorite shows on your favorite app, or
turn to YouTube and pull up some videos. You know, make like you’re in your kitchen or
out on your patio. Lately, I’ve seen broadcasters on Periscope going to
restaurants alone and doing live scopes while waiting for their food. Some even chow down while chatting with
viewers. A few have even landed
sponsorship's from businesses to come in and scope while eating, showing the
world how great their food and service is.
At the end of the day,
we only live once. There is a big world
out there for us to explore and no one can have your experience but you. Let go of the norms and allow yourself to see
life in a different way, and take time to converse with people you never would
have noticed if you had shown up with a companion.
So what say you? Do you ever go solo? Have you missed out on doing something you
love because no one else was interested?
Did you become friends with someone you met while hanging out alone?
If you agree with this
article—please like, if you have an opinion—please comment, and if you with
me—please share. I would love to know
your point of view. Also, check-out my
other blogs on A View From Tracy’s Point.
Peace and Blessings,
Tracy
