Does today's topic sound depressing? Well it is if you want to look at it that way. Or you could look at being solo as a new adventure, or segment of your life. I personally like to look at it as a challenge, which is the way I look at anything I'm scared of.
Maybe you're solo because you up and moved to a new city where you knew no one, or maybe you're solo because you've just been through a breakup. Whatever the reason, if you just sit at home and wallow in self-pity, you'll always be solo. If there is one thing I've learned, it's that people don't miraculously appear out of thin air and ask you to
come out and play. You've gotta do the leg work.
So here are my tips to not feel self-conscious while getting out and making moves..... solo!
Veenie is my wing dog. I obviously love General more than anything, but have you ever tried navigating a patio with a beagle-----SQUIRREL! SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL MOM MOM MOM MOM SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL SQUIRREL!!!!
So Veenie is my go to for walks downtown to explore Klyde Warren Park, trail walking at Katy Trail, or patio sitting on a Spring Sunday afternoon. You aren't solo with your best wing pup!
When you have a camera in your hand, it makes you appear to have a purpose.
Oh, she's a photographer and she is working right now. Or,
Oh she is a tourist! Or,
Oh, she is new here! All of these scenarios could even lead to a conversation with a stranger/new friend! Keep in mind, this post includes tips to make you feel better about being solo. No one around you cares who you are or what you're doing alone.
Walk with confidence. Walk as if you're walking to something specific, even if you're just roaming. Again, these are all things to make yourself feel better and more confident when you're out alone.
When you're at the beach or on vacation, isn't food a source of entertainment? Use food as your entertainment in your hometown too! Whether it is visiting a food truck or taking yourself out for sushi, eating gives you something to do! You've gotta eat on the weekends, right? I would recommend making a list of restaurants you've never been to, but have heard are great. Maybe they have a great view, a killer patio, or the best ahi tuna in town. Then start crossing them off, or
instagramming them as you visit!
I'm personally at the point where there ain't no shame in my sitting alone game. I actually kind of enjoy it. But if you are new to this whole solo lifestyle, start with hotel bars. The majority of people will be alone, so you won't feel uncomfortable or out of place. Are you going to make a new friend that lives near you? Probably not, but you may make a new pen pal!
I have a neighborhood bar that I really like and can walk to called the Elbow Room. Every time I've gone there I've struck up a conversation with someone, or they've struck up a conversation with me. It is a great bar to watch a Dallas game. So I plan when I head over there based on what time the game is, then I have something to watch... and voila, less uncomfortable because I have a purpose!
Sitting at an actual table is not only uncomfortable when you're alone, but you're going to make your server mad by wasting their table of 4, on a 1-top. Sit at the bar and you'll have the bartender to talk to, televisions to watch and you won't feel like you're a waste of perfectly good space. Plus, the vibe is just better for a single at the bar!
So those are my tips for getting out and enjoying life, solo! What tips would you add that have made you feel more comfortable doing things by yourself?
