Being alone in public can feel intimidating at first. There’s this silent pressure to always have a friend close by or turn every outing into a group hangout. Overcoming that pressure and learning how to spend time by yourself, especially in public, can be one of the most comforting and rewarding things you can do for yourself. Getting started can be daunting, so here are my top five solo activities to start getting comfortable being alone in public and actually enjoying it!
- Solo Movie Trip
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Going to the theatre alone sounds way scarier than it actually is. We’ve been taught to associate the movies with Friday-night dates and friend-group hangouts, which makes it seem like being alone there would be noticeable. In reality, it’s actually the perfect space to be alone in public.
The lights are low, everyone is quiet (hopefully), and once the screen lights up, it’s just you and the story. No questions are being constantly whispered, no mid-scene explanations, and no one is stealing your carefully chosen snacks. A solo date to the theatre is the perfect opportunity to get out of the house while avoiding human interactions.
- Journal at a Local Coffee Shop
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Pinterest-esque outfit on, iced vanilla latte on the side, and a journal in hand; the three golden factors for a solo coffee shop date! Journaling at a coffee shop is a great excuse to put on the outfit you’ve been planning in your head while seeming productive and mysterious with your beverage-of-choice.
You can write about your day, create a study plan or a to-do list, or anything else your heart desires. That’s the best part about writing: there are no rules. Journaling is relaxing, it’s a token solo activity, and it’s a fun way to get out of the house without any social expectations.
- Go Outdoors
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One of the best parts about Florida is all of the state parks. Go on a hot girl walk at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens and enjoy the scenery, or go for a swim and get a good tan at Wakulla Springs. All you need are your headphones and sunscreen!
Florida State has its very own Lakefront Park & Retreat Center, it’s a great (and free!) spot for students to tan, swim, paddle board, kayak, and or partake in the other offered activities. It’s a great option for a solo day outdoors, but it’s also a good opportunity to meet new people if you’re feeling social.
- Visit a Museum
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A great indoor alternative for a solo day is going to a museum. One of the many perks of Florida’s capital is the abundance of history and art all around the city. Visiting a museum is a great way to take your time strolling and observing. Plus, most museums have discounted ticket options for students, making it an affordable option for a solo day.
If you’re looking for an excuse to curate a museum-aesthetic outfit and avoid the not-always-fun features of the outdoors, going to a museum is the perfect option to be out and about by yourself, comfortably.
- Find a Public Library or Bookstore
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A quaint (and underrated) activity is visiting a public library or bookstore. Pick up any cover that sparks your interest, read the summary blurbs of each one, and pick a comfy corner to dive in.
No one is rushing you; you’re wandering in your own world, and you can still enjoy the comfortable world of the book of your choosing while still getting out of the house and doing something with your day. It’s a great way to bring comfortable energy into the world for a while.
Spending time alone in public doesn’t have to be scary. Starting small can be the perfect reminder that your own company can be comforting, your own plans can be enjoyable, and some time alone out and about can be one of the most comforting and rewarding gifts for yourself.
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