How to Confidently Attend Events… Alone
In today’s society, with all of our technological advancements, it’s still considered taboo to enjoy brunch or dinner at a fancy restaurant or even a fun concert you’ve been wanting to see – alone.
There’s a social stigma that causes us to feel self-conscious when venturing solo on such events, and there’s also oftentimes judgment from others at the sight of a lonesome individual. But the truth is, enjoying events solo comes with countless benefits, and you can enjoy them, too!
Here are a few tips to get out of your comfort zone.
Benefits of Attending Events Solo
First, let’s discuss the perks of attending events solo. You don’t have to depend on other people to enjoy that theater piece you’re in love with. You don’t have to wait months to book a spa getaway. You can just spontaneously do those things for yourself, when you want, how you want!
Benefits include increased confidence, honing your social skills, becoming comfortable with getting out of your comfort zone, and better boundaries. After all – if you’re tired or hungry, you can just leave. That way, when in a group, you’ll feel more comfortable honoring your needs.
Tip #1: Get out of Your Comfort Zone
As the first step, going to events solo inevitably requires you to get out of your comfort zone. Indeed, the first step is always the hardest, but afterward, it gets easier and easier.
Plus, there are many benefits to challenging yourself. You might learn new things about yourself, feel proud of your accomplishments, or even develop a stronger sense of self because you’re exploring new aspects of yourself. And at the end of the day… if you can brave an event solo, you’ll feel like you can do anything.
Tip #2: Trust Yourself
Believing in your ability to take care of yourself no matter what happens is an amazing quality to have in life. It’s about shifting your mindset to remember that you’ve always got your own back even if there’s a hiccup at the venue – if you forget your money at home, you can just go after it. If you get a sudden migraine, you can just pop out to the pharmacy. Likewise with any other unforeseen obstacles, if you trust yourself, you’ll feel safe to handle them accordingly.
Tip #3: Be Patient With Yourself
Any new habit takes time to settle into. Give yourself the grace of patience, and don’t rush the process. It’s normal to be nervous, to forget a ticket home, or to drop your keys at an inopportune moment. It’s also okay to attend the event and still feel uneasy about it afterward, worrying about having looked awkward. It’s okay, and it does get better.
The important thing is for you to have a good time, so focus on that. And if, after countless attempts, solo ventures still aren’t your cup of tea, that’s okay too.
Tip #4: Congratulate Yourself for Being Brave
Positive reinforcement is a great tool for strengthening good habits. So whenever you’re brave enough to check out events on your own, give yourself a pat on the back and congratulate yourself. Let’s be honest – it’s no easy feat to get out of your comfort zone, and it’s not for everyone.
Tip #5: Act Like You Belong
A simple yet powerful cheat code that helps no matter what situation you’re in is acting like you belong there.
If you’re going to a fancy opera play, act like a VIP. If you’re spoiling yourself with a spa treatment for the first time, take a deep breath and act as if you go there every weekend and it’s completely normal and natural for you. Walk with purpose, clear your mind of any anxious thoughts, and focus on making yourself feel good at the event.
Tip #6: Fake It Til You Make It
Fake it until you make it is rule number one for every new undertaking. You don’t have to have everything figured out from the start. Being one hundred percent confident and comfortable attending events solo doesn’t happen overnight. It can take time, and that’s okay. But if you want to give yourself a boost, just put on a smile and act like you’ve already got everything figured out.
Tip #7: Use Confident Body Language
Chin up, back straight, shoulders back, and walk with purpose. Not that complicated, right? And yet, small changes in your body language can easily and effectively signal confidence and self-assurance.
Bonus tip: strike a few high-power poses, such as the “Superman pose,” for a boost of confidence – apparently, it does work. According to research by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, the University of Bamberg, and The Ohio State University, standing in a dominant upright position can positively impact self-perception.
Tip #8: It’s Not That Deep. Who Cares?
Fifty years from now, do you think it’ll matter if, on one sunny Sunday afternoon, you had brunch on your own? A hundred years from now, will any of your solo outings be relevant on a cosmic scale? For better or worse, not really.
The truth is everybody is so preoccupied with their own lives, that most times people don’t even notice a lone individual at an event. And if anyone does stare and cast judgment, take comfort in the fact that people project what they themselves are most insecure about – it has nothing to do with you.
Tip #9: Do It for Yourself. Make Yourself Happy
If no other reason motivates you, do it for yourself. Want to go to that bougie coffee shop that just opened up, but none of your friends are available? Put on a cute outfit, grab a book, and go! Want to check out a local indie band? Book the ticket!
Visit the library, the restaurant, the theater – whatever it is. If you’re excited about the idea and it brings you joy, do it for yourself. Sure, it’s fun to go with your friend or partner to an event, but life is too short to wait on others.
Confidently Set Out on Your Own
- 10 Life Changing Strategies to Overcome Self Doubt and Become Confident
- 18 Ways Traveling Alone Can Help You Heal and Love Yourself
Tips for Traveling Solo
- Experienced Solo Traveler Shares Top Destinations for Women Traveling Alone
- An Introvert’s Guide to Traveling