“Hey, wanna go catch the new Matt Damon movie with me?”

“No, I hate Matt Damon.”

“Please, I’ve been waiting a 5 months to watch it, and everybody else is busy!”
“If you really want to watch it, just go alone.”

“Come on, man, do it for a friend. I can’t go by myself!”

Have you decided against doing something you desired in fear that you would look lonely? Despite independence being supported and even glorified in pop culture, the reality our culture faces is that it is still socially unacceptable to do many things alone in public. Especially if said activity involves fun. Watching a movie at a theater, going to a classy restaurant, and going out on New Year’s Eve are all no nos to name a few. Reflect on your own experiences: when was the last time you did any of the previously listed activities unaccompanied? Did you feel judged? It sends this message that says, “you can do cool things, but only if someone is with you.”

Say you’re feeling a little spontaneous. Who cares if your girlfriend, boyfriend, mom, dad, cat, or dog isn’t available, you decide you’re not going to live under the burden of society’s ideals. However, this confidence doesn’t last long. What was meant to be a joyful day of subtle retaliation just turned into a day of anxiety and reevaluation. It feels like everyone around is looking a Now you just want to go home until the pity-glares fade away.

This is applicable in another environment as well, where you’re launched into a vicious cycle. What If you’ve just moved to a new town for college, don’t know anyone, and are too scared to leave your house and join a sports club or something. Good luck making any new friends to go with you the next time.

Maybe I’m exaggerating, but I know plenty of people who think this way, especially with Valentine’s day just around the corner. I admit, I too have administered pity-glares, but doing things alone shouldn’t be a shameful thing. Don’t be afraid to enjoy a nice time alone on Valentine’s day because you are definitely not the only single person in the world. You might even meet another person in the same situation

Set a new trend. Don’t worry about your reputation or ego. When you let go, no one can stop you and your new found independence. Use self confidence to block any negative thoughts. In the words of Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle, treat yourself.