In this day and age, people rarely do anything alone anymore. In a world where everything you’re feeling can be posted on Facebook and every picture you take can be liked by a stranger on Instagram, even those who claim to be loners are hardly alone anymore. Besides running to the store for items that you don’t want anyone to know that you are buying, there almost seems to be a stigma on doing things solo. Whether it be catching a movie at the theater, dining out, or going to a concert, if you are alone there is an assumption that this wasn’t the original plan and that you must have been stood up or that you are lonely.
This is why whether or not to attend events alone is such a big debate.
Aside from being afraid of what people may think, there are numerous other reasons people travel in numbers. They feel safer because they have someone to look out for them, they have someone to enjoy the experience with and they all around simply feel less awkward. Some reports will even claim that attending events such as concerts and festivals makes you an easy target for harassment, robbery, being drugged, and even being raped. While personal safety is something that we all should pay attention to, are these stories scaring us out of experiencing the bliss that is solo wandering? Many people say the negative accounts are minimal, and that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. .
I’ve been wanting to see this band for 3 years, but none of my friends want to go.
While doing something as big as a festival alone can be super scary the first time, many can agree that it is preferred. In fact, some say going by themselves was “honestly the best time of my life.” The number one reason that people enjoy it is because they can do whatever it is they choose to do. Whether they feel it’s time for a bathroom break or to rush up front to the dance pit, there is no discussion about it. No worrying about where to meet or where your drunk friend who always wanders off went to.
It’s 100 percent your decision. You also don’t have to engage in a conversation or deal with any drama during your favorite artist. Jason Chastain from North Carolina puts it perfectly, “When you’re alone, you can really soak in the music.” It is also a really great way to meet new people. Jesska Finn from Chicago says, “When I go to events alone, people notice and make an effort to be my friend, which is the best part of shows in my opinion.” Even if you feel uncomfortable at first, if you’re having a good time, people will notice and feed off of your energy.
Get creative with your wardrobe. You never know who you’ll meet that way.
Fashion is a surefire way to meet new people. Conversations can start with a cool hat pin or a shirt from a band that you thought no one liked but you. So don’t be afraid to go wild! It’s one of the things that makes concerts so much fun.
Get out of your comfort zone.
Being by yourself makes you more approachable simply because people get nervous going up to groups of already established cliques. Jenira Torres also of Chicago, says it’s because “groups get defensive or protective of why a stranger is walking up to them.” Shy people are forced out of their comfort zone, which may not be so fun at first, but you’ll be glad you took the chance.
Safety First.
Going to an event alone can be the ultimate experience, but there are some downsides. Besides the aformentioned incidents such as having something stolen or receiving unwanted advances, there are things like being bored or feeling like the odd one out when you return to real life and have no one to share memories with. If you’re not outgoing and feel like you may not be able to get over your shy nature, solo outings probably aren’t for you. Everyone also has to be very careful and aware of their surroundings, especially if they do not know their own limits. It’s very easy to get out of control at a festival or concert. Always be aware of your surroundings, bring anything valuable with you ( or leave it at home) and do not ingest anything from people you don’t know. While many precautions are taken to make sure we as concertgoers are safe, bad things do happen. Look out for one another, if you see someone who needs help tell someone, and like Torres says “keep that PLUR mentality working.”
What do you guys think? Is it better to go to an event alone or is it only a good time if you can celebrate with the squad? Let us know in the comment section below!
