6+ Activities That You’ll Have More Fun Doing Alone

As the Queen of Doing Things Alone (and I mean that in a good way), I’ve realized that so many things are nicer, sweeter, easier, when you aren’t doing them without other people. For the ideas below, you might get a lot of anxiety doing them alone. You’ll worry what strangers might think if you show up at a restaurant all by yourself. Here’s the thing: No one notices or cares what you’re doing. They’re already focused too much on themselves. And if they did care? People like that aren’t worth your time.

So, if you’re working on becoming more comfortable being alone–a skill that’s valuable even when you’re in a relationship–try these fun activities that are even better alone. Trust me. I’ve done them all.

Traveling Literally Anywhere

This is why there are whole websites and subreddits devoted to solo travel. You don’t have to argue about how you spend your time abroad or get annoyed when your sleep schedules don’t align. You only do what you want to do, when you want to do it, including going to that amazing Museum of Broken Relationships in Croatia.

Hiking a Cool Trail

Have you ever been hiking with someone who kept outpacing you? They’d storm ahead and then turn back to find you huffing and puffing and go, “What’s taking you so long?” If you have, then you understand why this hiking is on this list. Walk at the exact right speed for you. Stop and look at cool bugs. Take pictures of blooming fruit trees. And never worry about the speed or comfort of someone else.

Eating at a Restaurant

This is like the Advanced level of Doing Things Alone. Few people go out to eat by themselves, mostly because they feel weird doing it. If you want an easy mode, you could get food at a local coffee shop in the afternoon when it isn’t super busy. Even if you decide you don’t like eating at restaurants alone, I promise you’ll feel empowered for having done it at least once.

Going to the Movies

There’s something weirdly empowering about going to the movies alone. You can skip coordinating everyone’s schedules. You don’t have to worry about finding a date just to see the new Super Mario Bros. Movie. Just you, a dark theater, and a tub of popcorn that you don’t have to share a morsel of.

Perusing a Bookstore

This might be one you’ve already done, even as someone who’s hesitant to do things alone. Bookstores are already magical, but they’re made even more transcendent when you get lost in the stacks for hours, coming away with an armload of books to take home that no one sasses you about for being “too much.” All the book-loving babes understand.

Attending a Concert

This is another tough one to do. Here’s the scenario: You really want to go see your favorite band/singer, but none of your friends can take off that night. Are you just going to skip attending, never knowing the full magic of seeing this band live, or are you going to put on your cutest outfit and go solo, potentially falling in love with the lead singer along the way? The latter, thanks.

Honorable Mentions

The above are the biggest things you should try doing alone, but what about the smaller events? The quieter moments? Here some honorable mentions:

• Taking your picture. No one takes as good of a picture of you as you do. That’s why selfies are such a thing.
• Watching TV. No fighting over what to watch. No judgement when you binge a true crime show or watch Parks and Rec for the third time that month.
• Sexy times. Sometimes it’s just easier to take things in your own hands.