Doing things on your own can be intimidating and not all that enticing, especially if you’re used to being surrounded by people all the time.
However, there’s something to be said for venturing out on your own and getting comfortable with your own company. If solo activities seem scary or like they just won’t be much fun, here’s how to change all that and start loving doing things alone (or at least become more comfortable with it).
1. Start small with solo coffee dates.
Kicking off your solo adventures with a trip to a café is a great shout. Grab your favourite brew, maybe a book or your phone, and just chill. It’s a low-pressure way to get used to being out on your own. Plus, people-watching while you sip your latte is pure gold. You might even start to prefer it to those coffee catch-ups where you’re stuck listening to your mate’s drama for two hours straight.
2. Hit the cinema by yourself.
Think about it — you’re sitting in a dark room not talking to anyone anyway, so why not go alone? No sharing popcorn, no compromising on what to watch, and no one asking “What did they say?” every five minutes. You can laugh, cry, or roll your eyes at bad dialogue without worrying what anyone thinks. It’s liberating, really.
3. Take yourself out for dinner.
Source: Unsplash This one might feel a bit daunting at first, but it’s actually pretty great. You get to choose the restaurant, order whatever you fancy without judgement (yes, I will have the extra cheesy garlic bread, thanks), and eat at your own pace. Bring a book, your phone, or just enjoy some quality time with your food. Who knows, you might even strike up a conversation with the staff or other solo diners.
4. Go for a solo hike or walk.
Nothing beats a bit of alone time in nature. You can go at your own pace, stop to take as many photos as you want, and not worry about keeping up conversation. Plus, it’s a great way to clear your head. Just remember to tell someone where you’re going. No one wants to star in their own ‘127 Hours’ situation (not that that’s likely to happen, but you never know!).
5. Try a new hobby class by yourself.
Source: Unsplash Always fancied giving pottery a go after watching ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’, or maybe salsa dancing due to your love of ‘Strictly’? Sign up for that class you’ve been eyeing. Sure, it might feel a bit awkward at first, but everyone’s there to learn. You’ll probably end up chatting to your classmates anyway, and hey, if you’re rubbish at it, at least there’s no one you know there to make fun of you.
6. Travel solo, even if it’s just a day trip.
Travelling alone can be incredibly freeing. Start with a day trip to a nearby town if a solo holiday feels too much. You get to set your own itinerary, change plans on a whim, and not have to deal with someone else’s hangry meltdown when you can’t find a decent restaurant. As you get more comfortable doing this, you can venture further afield.
7. Attend a concert or gig on your own.
Source: Unsplash Music sounds just as good (maybe even better) when you’re there solo. You can dance like no one’s watching (because no one who knows you is), sing along at the top of your lungs, and not worry about losing your friends in the crowd. Plus, it’s way easier to squeeze into those tiny gaps near the front when you’re on your own.
8. Visit a museum or art gallery alone.
This is perfect for solo outings. You can spend ages staring at one painting without someone huffing and puffing next to you, or breeze past the exhibits that don’t interest you. No need to pretend you understand modern art if you don’t. And if you do want company, most places offer guided tours where you can tag along with a group.
9. Have a spa day by yourself.
Treating yourself to a bit of pampering solo is seriously underrated. No chatty friend disturbing your zen, no need to coordinate treatments. Just you, some fluffy towels, and maybe a facial that leaves you looking like a shiny tomato. Bliss. You might even nod off during that massage without worrying about snoring.
10. Go shopping alone.
Source: Unsplash Solo shopping trips are the best. No one rushing you, no waiting around while your mate tries on the entire shop, and no judgement when you spend way too long deciding between two nearly identical shirts. You can pop into that quirky little shop without worrying if your shopping buddy is bored. Freedom to browse, people!
11. Take yourself on a photography adventure.
Grab your camera (or just your phone) and hit the streets for a solo photo walk. You can take as long as you want getting that perfect shot of a pigeon eating a chip without anyone moaning that they’re bored. Plus, you might discover hidden gems in your own city that you’ve never noticed before. Who knows, you might even become the next Instagram sensation!
12. Have a solo picnic in the park.
Pack up your favourite snacks, grab a blanket, and find a nice spot in the park. You can people-watch, read a book, or just lie back and cloud-gaze without anyone nattering in your ear. The best part is that you don’t have to share your food with anyone. That entire wheel of Brie is all yours!
13. Treat yourself to a fancy hotel stay.
Booking a posh hotel room just for yourself feels incredibly indulgent. You can starfish on the bed, use all the towels, and watch whatever you want on telly. Order room service in your pants if you want. No one’s there to judge you for eating ice cream for breakfast or using the shower cap as a crisp bowl.
14. Go to a sports event alone.
Whether it’s footie, cricket, or tiddlywinks (is that even a spectator sport?), going to watch alone can be a laugh. You can cheer as loud as you want without embarrassing anyone, and you might even make some new friends with the other fans around you. Just don’t be that person who starts the Mexican wave. No one likes that person.
15. Take a class to learn something new.
Always wanted to learn Italian or how to make sushi? Sign up for a class on your own. You’ll be so focused on not making a total idiot of yourself that you won’t have time to feel awkward about being there solo. Plus, you might meet some cool people who share your interests. Bonus: no one you know will be there to witness your terrible attempts at rolling sushi.
16. Go dancing by yourself.
Source: Unsplash This one takes some guts, but it’s liberating once you get over the initial awkwardness. Find a place with a good vibe, let loose, and dance like no one’s watching (they’re probably not — everyone’s too busy worrying about how they look themselves).
17. Volunteer for a cause you care about.
Signing up to volunteer on your own is a great way to do something meaningful and meet like-minded people. Whether it’s walking dogs at the local shelter or helping out at a food bank, you’ll be too busy doing good to worry about being there alone. Plus, it’s a guaranteed way to feel good about yourself. “Yeah, I spent my Saturday cuddling kittens. What did you do?”
18. Go to a comedy show solo.
Laughter is just as funny when you’re on your own. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your friend not getting the jokes or laughing too loud. Sit near the front if you’re brave — just be prepared for the possibility of becoming part of the show. On the bright side, if you do get picked on, there’s no one there to remind you about it forever.
19. Have a self-date night at home.
Sometimes being comfortable alone starts at home. Treat yourself to a fancy meal (yes, ordering Deliveroo counts), light some candles, put on your favourite tunes or that film you’ve been meaning to watch. Dress up if you want, or lounge in your comfiest PJs. It’s your night, your rules. No need to worry about table manners when you’re shovelling ice cream straight from the tub.
20. Join a group tour in your own city.
Playing tourist in your own backyard can be a right laugh. Join a walking tour or a food tour on your own — you’ll learn new things about your city and might even make some new friends. Plus, you can ask all the questions you want without worrying about holding anyone up. “So, you’re saying this pub is haunted? Tell me more while I hide behind this menu.”
