How To Be Happy Out in the World while by Yourself

[Kepler]

That's it. That's the thread.

I have never been comfortable doing outside-the-house stuff by myself. I'm delighted to be alone at home, but when I leave the house alone I feel sad, bored, self-conscious, lonely, and even afraid. It's like being 14 again.

Who is good at being outside and alone? What's your secret?

This was immediately triggered by my desire to go to the Mets game tonight at Chase Field. I have always dragged my S.O. along, but Dr. Mrs. just doesn't like baseball and I don't want to torture her any longer. Plus, it's time I learned this life skill.

Be my Sensai.

 

[state of hockey]

I usually have music playing in my head at all times voices aren’t heard. Used to think this made me crazy, but I’ve come to think that maybe it helps.

 

[unofan]

Understand no one else cares about you as much as you do, so no one cares that you're eating by yourself or attending an event by yourself. And even if some nosy nelli does, you'll never see them again anyway, so who gives a fark?

Striking up conversations with your random seat neighbors is fine, as long as they reciprocate. If they don't, take the hint and just watch the game/eat your food in peace.

People watching can be amazing.

 

[state of hockey]

Understand no one else cares about you as much as you do, so no one cares that you're eating by yourself or attending an event by yourself. And even if some nosy nelli does, you'll never see them again anyway, so who gives a fark?

Striking up conversations with your random seat neighbors is fine, as long as they reciprocate. If they don't, take the hint and just watch the game/eat your food in peace.

People watching can be amazing.

It is true. As long as you don’t do something “weird” you are pretty much invisible. Well, unless someone else out there is doing the same thing you’re doing.

 

[Russell Jaslow]

That's it. That's the thread.

I have never been comfortable doing outside-the-house stuff by myself. I'm delighted to be alone at home, but when I leave the house alone I feel sad, bored, self-conscious, lonely, and even afraid. It's like being 14 again.

Who is good at being outside and alone? What's your secret?

This was immediately triggered by my desire to go to the Mets game tonight at Chase Field. I have always dragged my S.O. along, but Dr. Mrs. just doesn't like baseball and I don't want to torture her any longer. Plus, it's time I learned this life skill.

Be my Sensai.

I have no problem doing stuff by myself. And sometimes I actually prefer it. My schedule. My desires.

Would I most of the time prefer to do it with my wife? Yes. A lot of times with friends? Yes.

But if they don't want to for various reasons, I'm not going to allow it to stop me from experiencing what I want to do.

My wife isn't much of a traveler. When we do travel together, I love it, to experience things with her (our biggest trip together was to Paris, but that was also tagged on to a business trip she had there). But there are a lot of trips she doesn't want to do, because she's not much of a traveler. Like in 2024, when I always wanted to go to the Macau GP. She didn't. I went (along with visiting Hong Kong), and absolutely loved it. Already scheduling another big Asian trip, which will probably be by myself.

Even simply going to a sporting event. If there is nobody to go with, I just go. I want to enjoy it, and I'm not going to allow the lack of anyone wanting to join me spoil what I want to experience.

 

[SJHovey]

I think a baseball game is a perfect opportunity to do something by yourself.

First, I'd keep score.

Second. Buy a cheap seat, then play a game to see how good a seat you can move into by the time the game ends.

 

[Russell Jaslow]

Buy a cheap seat, then play a game to see how good a seat you can move into by the time the game ends.

LOL. The only time I went to Fenway Park, I kind of did this. I wanted to experience the place from all different angles, since it's such a unique ballbark. Did the same on a lesser scale the one time I went to Wrigley Field. Both by myself.

 

[Bronco]

Very few people in my social circle enjoy sports so I end up going alone about half the time.
Between people watching the game or on their phone 24/7 nobody gives you a second look.

 

[RaceBoarder]

Give yourself some "distractions" to keep your mind occupied while out and about for the evening. Set goals/checkpoints to achieve throughout the night.

Like go seek out whatever the hot, new, flashy concession item at Chase Field is this evening and treat yourself to it. Or make a point to stop at a restaurant that has grabbed your attention beforehand on your way into the ballpark. Make a point to check out any historical markers the D-backs have around the park (I'm sure there are things for Randy Johnson and/or the 2001 World Series title for an example off the top of my head).

By having those goals, you give yourself a path to follow for the evening and you don't think of things as a whole.

 

[unofan]

Best part about going to a game solo, even setting aside the "unofficial" upgrades, is that you can get great seats for cheap because solo tickets are the hardest for people to get rid of.

 

[Scarlet]

I've gone to several games by myself, mostly when I travel for work. I always check to see if there is a game in a city where I am and have no problem getting a single seat and watching a game. I'll strike up a conversation with someone sitting next to me about the team, arena, etc. As a Red Sox season ticket holder, if I can't find someone to go to a game with me, I'll go on my own. I know other STHs, and a few people that work there so I'll wander and chat and also sit and watch. And i can leave when I want. I hate wasting a ticket.

I've had great luck getting excellent seats at concerts going on my own. Like, second row on the floor type of seats. This was (is) during my celebrity stalking time,

 

[Russell Jaslow]

I've gone to several games by myself, mostly when I travel for work. I always check to see if there is a game in a city where I am and have no problem getting a single seat and watching a game. I'll strike up a conversation with someone sitting next to me about the team, arena, etc.

When I used to work and travel for work a lot, I did this all the time for either baseball or hockey, depending on the season.

The best experience I had was at the old Chicago Stadium. My Rangers just happened to be in town and I sat next to a Blackhawks season ticket holder. Great conversation I had with him, since we both knew our teams so well. The most amazing thing? He was a doctor on call. He received a phone call during the game. Spoiler alert -- this was before cell phones, when the very first ones were coming out. I didn't even know where the ringing was coming from. He opened this cooler sized bag by his feet, half of which was taken up by the power pack, the other half by the massive receiver. This was the first time I ever saw what the future was going to bring us.

Another time, I was in LA and got to see both the Ducks (with Paul Kariya) and Kings play, both against the Canadiens. I got a seat six rows behind the Ducks bench, nice and semi-cheap.

On another trip, saw the Sharks play in their first year in the old Cow Palace. Ironically, my hotel literally overlooked the construction site for their new arena. But I had to drive all the way into San Francisco to see them play.

Once went to a Phillies game ... or at least tried. After getting in, the passing shower never passed, and it got postponed.

All those and many other experiences I would not have had if I had an issue going by myself, which goes back to my earlier post.