We Miss Out on Events When We Don’t Like to Go Alone

Bruce (Springsteen) played at MetLife Stadium this past weekend in New Jersey, about an hour’s drive from my home. I’ve been a huge fan of his for a long time, but I’ve never seen him in concert. There were still tickets available, yet I held back. Why? Because I didn’t want to go alone.

I’m a fairly independent woman, a proud introvert who has lived alone since graduating from college. I love living alone and I admittedly need a lot of solo time to recharge my batteries from a demanding job as a licensed clinical social worker. I enjoy spending time with small groups of friends and also seeing my brother and his family, but I hesitate when leisure time involves large crowds, such as concerts or even movies.

I don’t have social anxiety and I often wonder why I hesitate when it comes going to places solo. I have eaten out alone — and I don;t just mean for a slice of pizza, but sit-down restaurants where I was served by a waiter. It’s not the most comfortable situation, but I bring a book with me; as long I have something to distract me, I’m fine.

If I had a burning desire to see a movie, I suppose I would go, but I’m not really a movie person. I don’t even subscribe to Netflix. Everyone is telling me I have to go see Barbie—some of my friends have seen it twice, especially those who have gone with their daughters. I’m curious, but not sufficiently motivated to go alone.

A study published…