Friday, August 13, 2010

30 B4 30 Day 9: Take Myself Out on a Date

The other day when I went to the yoga class by myself, TK said, "I really admire you that you go do these things by yourself. I wouldn't be able to." This confused me because I could never understand why people would need anyone to go anywhere. You came into this world by yourself and you will leave it by yourself. You are the only one stuck with you for the rest of your life, so you might as well start liking your own company. In order to practice this belief, I chose to Take Myself Out on a Date for today's 30 B4 30 activity.

My date started out at the Sayville Cinema because movies only cost $5 before 6 p.m. I am not a cheap date, I just like to save money. When I walked in, the employees didn't seem to care that I was by myself. They probably see it all the time. I even saw a few other girls that were alone for the flick like I was. No big deal. No one talks while watching a movie anyway, or at least they shouldn't. And, as an added bonus, you don't have to share an armrest. Aside from the loners in the crowd there were also older women and gay men. Typical for a chick flick. Eat, Pray Love was very good, just like the book. I just finished it last night and figured it would be a great fit for a day of spending quality time with myself because it is the story of a woman who decides to travel alone to 3 destinations and balance out her life. TK told me the other day that he thinks this is exactly what I would do if I ever left him. I have to say, he is right, but I am not actually planning on it. My future trips will include him, for now. ;)

After the movie, I went for a bite to eat. I figured that if I am really going to do this, I should go all out. I went to Cafe Joelle and they sat me at the table right in front of the window. It was like I was advertising how enjoyable the food was for those passing or driving by. I honestly enjoyed being in the front window because at least there was entertainment while I had no one to talk to. I also sat next to a couple and was secretly hoping they saw my ring so they knew I wasn't lonely, which I wasn't. Ironically, one of the songs that played in the restaurant was "You're Only Lonely" by, I think, Roy Orbison or someone similar. Interesting how things just click together.

Humanity began with a pair, Adam and Eve, but I believe that one is sometimes enough. I have never lived alone, but I can dance alone, work alone, drive alone, draw alone and now, eat and be entertained alone. In certain circumstances, I just don't think there is a need to be with anyone else. I have told TK in the past that I don't need him to be my husband, I want him to be. I wasn't trying to be mean, I was just being honest. I have no problem doing things all by myself. Sometimes it is nice to be able to make decisions without compromising what you want. When you share a life with someone or you travel with a friend or friends, you have to learn to make accommodations and adjustments to reach an agreement. Even though compromise is good and I am very chatty, I do enjoy my quiet, alone time with no one to talk to or deal with. You can learn a lot about yourself by being alone.

I would have liked to finish my date up with some ice cream, but I already had plans for the night. At least she has my number for next time...