Whether you’re single or in a relationship, you need some alone time. This is time I call “me time”. Me time or time with yourself shows that you are not afraid to be with you. If you can’t stand being you, you certainly shouldn’t expect someone else to want to. Me time allows you to forget your worries and relax. It also gives you time for honest personal assessment. Do I have personal habits that irritate others? Do others have personal habits that irritate me? Who am I? Do I like myself? Would I want to be with me if I were someone else? Do I have personal aspirations? The idea here is to make assessments without criticism. Criticizing one’s self can be very damaging so be mindful of what you think and say about and to yourself. Here are some of my “Me time” favorites.
GO TO A MOVIE. I had no plans one Friday night and wanted to go to check out a theatre I heard about. All of the friends I asked to join me had other plans. Instead of depriving myself because of the lack of available friends, I got myself together, bought snacks from the Dollar Store and drove to the theater. When I settled in to watch the previews, it was truly bliss. A full row to myself, no one leaning all over me and snacks to eat without having to worry about someone else’s hands going in out of was my idea of joy.
GO TO A LOCAL CLUB/BAR. Going out to the bar is usually something you do with your friends, but I always said I would try it once. I was finishing up at an event with my sister, and was in the mood to go out. She had to go back home and finish up some work, so I decided to try going to a bar by myself. I went to a bar that I frequent, and arrived there around 12 am . There was a short line outside the door, so I figured there were enough people in there for me to talk to someone. I walked inside the bar and immediately bought a drink. The bar had 4 levels so I visited the first 3 which were free to be on. Feeling unlucky, I headed back to the first floor and sat down. I told myself I would at least stay until I finished my drink. While I slowly sipped on my drink a guy waiting for his friend ended up talking to me. I admitted to him that it was my first time being at a bar alone. He laughed in awe saying when I get older I’ll be doing it more often. He was in his early 30s so he was a whole decade older than me. Is this what I want to be doing seven years from now? I hope not. When his four friends returned he introduced me to them, and invited me to join them for the rest of the night. They went all the way to the 4th floor and paid for me to get in, of course this was a good start to a late night. They also bought me a couple ciders and danced and talked to me. I’m glad I can say I went to a bar alone, but I don’t think I’ll be doing it all the time no matter how old I am. At the end of the fun evening, I went home.
GO ON A VACATION/STAYCATION. Sometimes you need to decompress in a different environment-let down your hair, exhale and relax. You need to forget about life and even people for a day or even a week. I haven’t gone on a vacation by myself but I have been on a staycation. I bought a hotel room for a night, brought post it notes, pens, and snacks and some Chipotle. That day I watched tv, ate food, and just re-examined my life. I took a real personal assessment of myself. I wasn’t sure of my career and other small parts of my life so I just scribbled ideas on Post It notes. By the time I finished, I had some pretty good ideas about where I wanted my life to go. Figured out my plan for me. I had a working plan before I went to sleep. Sleeping in the next morning refreshed my mind and my body. The great feeling gave me a wonderful start by the time I was ready to get checked out of the hotel.
GO TO A RESTAURANT. I’ve done this many times. After a long night out I grabbed a booth at a waffle house. As I write this I’m eating lunch at Panera Bread. And before a volleyball game I had to coach, I was craving a tasty slice of cheesecake so I ordered one and enjoyed it as I sat alone. An old friend said she would be embarrassed to be sitting alone at a restaurant, but there is nothing weird with it at all. No one is really paying attention to you. They’re enjoying their meal just like you are.
Try one of these things, or try all of them. I know we think these are places we should have a companion for but they’re not. Don’t rely on anyone to enjoy a movie, drink, or dessert. Live your life solo sometimes, but also enjoy them with your family and friends. These experiences add richness to your life. Besides you will miss out on a lot if you wait for someone else’s presence to go where you want to go. Me time is great time.
What are your favorite 'me time' moments/places? Leave a comment :)
