I don’t love going to the movies by myself, but every so often I do. Even at this age, it still requires some self-talk ahead of time to work up the courage. I think (or imagine) that there is still a stigma about going to the movies alone. It is, after all, a notorious date activity…still a social event. From the time I’m on line alone to buy my ticket to the time the lights finally go out, I’m a little self-conscious. My inner child fears that people are looking at the pathetic girl (OK, woman) who must be unpopular or friendless.
Yes, the theatre is mostly couples, families and friends… but there are other people who are alone, so I know it’s an irrational fear. Or is it? When I was in my 20’s, there was a now-forgotten movie I wanted to see. My friends weren’t available and I wasn’t currently dating anyone. So I went alone. You’ll think I’m making this up, but some guys came in and sat behind me and then asked, “What’s the matter with you? Can’t you get a boyfriend to take you out?” Owww! Right to the nerve. I was humiliated, my worst fear coming true...oh my God, I really was pathetic! Fortunately, God also made me smart and fast on my feet. I didn’t skip an outward beat and managed to create a reasonable of-course-I’m-a-loveable-person explanation: “I’m from out of town and I’m just killing time till my flight later tonight.” They backed off. I preserved my dignity but was left emotionally reeling. Is it any wonder I don’t remember the movie?
Well, believe it or not, I didn’t stop going to movies alone, but it’s only slightly easier. Last night I went to see Star Wars by myself and you’ll be glad to know I survived unscathed, but still relieved when the lights finally went out and I could sink into safety and anonymity. And I watched the sh*t out of that movie.
Ever heard the expression, “what you fear, you attract?” Honestly, what makes people challenge someone alone in a theatre with that sort of ugliness? Who does that? So I always figured my fears about it attracted it. If the fear/ attraction thing is indeed a Law of the Universe, then right here, right now I’m going to put out there another fear I’ve been harboring: I fear that in 2016 I’m going to meet a ruggedly, handsome single guy. It will be awful…he’ll be thoughtful, faithful, self-sufficient and he’ll adore me. In fact, I fear he’ll be downright sexy.
Yes, the theatre is mostly couples, families and friends… but there are other people who are alone, so I know it’s an irrational fear. Or is it? When I was in my 20’s, there was a now-forgotten movie I wanted to see. My friends weren’t available and I wasn’t currently dating anyone. So I went alone. You’ll think I’m making this up, but some guys came in and sat behind me and then asked, “What’s the matter with you? Can’t you get a boyfriend to take you out?” Owww! Right to the nerve. I was humiliated, my worst fear coming true...oh my God, I really was pathetic! Fortunately, God also made me smart and fast on my feet. I didn’t skip an outward beat and managed to create a reasonable of-course-I’m-a-loveable-person explanation: “I’m from out of town and I’m just killing time till my flight later tonight.” They backed off. I preserved my dignity but was left emotionally reeling. Is it any wonder I don’t remember the movie?
Well, believe it or not, I didn’t stop going to movies alone, but it’s only slightly easier. Last night I went to see Star Wars by myself and you’ll be glad to know I survived unscathed, but still relieved when the lights finally went out and I could sink into safety and anonymity. And I watched the sh*t out of that movie.
Ever heard the expression, “what you fear, you attract?” Honestly, what makes people challenge someone alone in a theatre with that sort of ugliness? Who does that? So I always figured my fears about it attracted it. If the fear/ attraction thing is indeed a Law of the Universe, then right here, right now I’m going to put out there another fear I’ve been harboring: I fear that in 2016 I’m going to meet a ruggedly, handsome single guy. It will be awful…he’ll be thoughtful, faithful, self-sufficient and he’ll adore me. In fact, I fear he’ll be downright sexy.