Party of One

Solo Supper
Dining is often enjoyed not only for the food, but for the conversation. You just read that last sentence correctly, ByUrself has offically stated that some activities are done with others BUT ByUrself dining does have a time, place, and certain required finesse. This post will take you through the novice dining solo experience, The Diner.
Diners are a great place to make your entry into solo food consumption without the drone of conversation, spitting, or arguing over who pays (mostly because you are ByUrself so you BuyUrself any food ordered). That off the table - the monetary aspect is really the only draw back, or plus, if you are the one most likely to pick up the tab.
Chose a diner that is welcoming. This is a bit of an oxymoron but err on the side of caution. Are there specials in the windows? Is the parking lot populated? If the air surrounding the diner smells of bacon grease and the diner itself isn't falling apart - venture in.
Your first stop should be at the newspaper stand, or if they have newspapers folded up, grab one. It doesn't matter what time of day it is, it's good to have something to lose your gaze in (preferably not the odd beards or strange dress of a fellow diner.) Make your way to the counter. There's really no bad spot to sit but ByUrself would avoid the seat directly infront of the door. Two reasons, if this is a local spot, everyone that walks in will see the newcomer. Also, the draft and bells on the swinging door can be down right obnoxious.
Don't coward away in the corner but choose your spinning stool wisely.
Next: ordering. Diners are down home, so stick to the basics. Black coffee, OJ, something we've all heard of and no grande, venti, whatever's. You are here to enjoy the simplistities of life; yourself and a decent meal-so leave the confines of coffee house jargon behind. Quickly gaze around you and see what everyone's eating, offering a sure sign of 'what's good here?' while avoiding the ‘outing’ newcomer question. Clearly state your order and start reading the paper or book you've brought with you. It is acceptable to exchange a quick pleasantry with your neighbor, "hey, how's it going?" "How about that game last night?"* ONLY in reference to a TV or newspaper headline, or "good morning"/"have a good one." Don't get overly chatty with your neighbor unless it happens naturally. Ten-to-one, you picked this location for the same reason they did, to get a good meal without the hassle of involving a second or third party. When your food arrives - enjoy it. Savor the tastes and don't rush through the experience. Allow yourself to get lost in the meal and simply enjoy the food. Eating alone allows you to turn your attention from conversation to the sometimes overlooked main course. Don't feel the need to rush out once you're done. Linger around for another coffee, soda, or juice. Feel the isolated suspension of your spinning stool and capture the sensation of your feet dangling.
Dining, solo at a diner is a great way to ease the transition from reservations to none. Sharing a counter with fellow diners reinforces that you aren't truly all alone in your dining experience and creates a commonality without the need for conversation.

Movie Moi

Take yourself on a date - a movie date that is! There's no better night out enjoyed with great company (yourself). Going to a movie ByUrself is beyond socially acceptable, it's practically encouraged! Think of it this way, movies are great as a first date for the following reasons: (1) it's dark. Ease awkward eye contact and long gazes by allowing the silver screen to dance off the profile of your face. The key here is you are sitting next to eachother not face-to-face, affording greater comfort all within your own self-contained seat space. (2) there is little to no talking during a movie. Another key component to enjoying the luminious glow solo. Read the following tips for insuring a pleasant evening out at the movies.
1. Purchase your ticket in advance using an online ticket distributor such as Fandango. You are NOT doing this step out of embarrassment, because after all, going to the movies with yourself is a ByUrself endorsed activity. You are simply taking advanced measures and dodging long lines. This move will also afford you more time at the snack counter.
2. Stop at the restroom. This is a key component to enjoying the entire movie by yourself and is often overlooked. You might think you can cut this corner, but I wouldn't. Here's the set-up. You are 45minutes into the action, packed, crowd pleasing thriller when the nagging need to use the bathroom overruns the shot sequence. You've got a big gulp on the left of you and popcorn on the right. Snow Caps are littering your lap. You are of course, ByUrself, so you have chosen the best seat in the theatre, smack in the middle. To exit, you'd need to cut in front of people - ok you think to yourself, not a big deal - I'd only be detracting from their view for a mere second. BUT, what about your beverage, what about the popcorn, can you really let those snowcaps melt to the floor? The answer here, a resounding NO. Go to the bathroom before. This insures that you and your snacks get through previews to credits.
3. Wash your hands and go to the snack counter. BuyUrself a snack and beverage, perhaps more then one snack if you like. Again, no need to feel ashamed of the hording, as everyone will assume you are simply purchasing for you and x, x, x (depending on how many snacks you can carry).
4. Picking the correct seat is integral to the movie experience and because you aren't anchored down horizontally, you have an easier time choosing an appropriate seat. This also allows you to watch the movie where you best view the screen from - some people enjoy up close and others a more panoramic view. Note those sitting in front and behind you. Will they be a distraction?
5. Once you've run the eye lap and committed to a location, spread out. ByUrself does not suggest monopolizing a row of seats but if the movie isn't a blockbuster hit and there's guaranteed space for all those in the theatre, put your coat on one of the flanking seats. This will allow you a bit more leg room and the advantage of two cup holders. Those who see you will automatically assume you are holding a seat and continue to an unoccupied space. Setting a buffer is part of the ByUrself experience, this is a movie, and there's really no need to have a stranger sitting right or left, next to you.
6. Open all candies, plastic bags, drinks, etc. during the previews. This avoids awkward noises and stares during the film.
7. When the movie has concluded, feel free to leave right away or stay for the credits. If you stay put for the roll of the credits, any naysayer will assume one or more of the following: (a) you are a movie buff and have seen every movie directed, produced, etc. by said movie, house. (b) you starred in the movie and are there to gain audience reaction and gauge the actual outcome. (c) your date has gone to the bathroom and you are waiting in the comfort of the theatre until you join up with him/her (no sense in loitering outside of the prospective restroom).
8. Occasionally your significant other might not want to see the same movie as you, affording you with a private viewing. This can strengthen conversation after you've watched your prospective movies.
9. Often times it is important to watch a movie that all of your friends have already seen so you can keep up with quotes and jokes. Thus, your movie going should be interpreted as a 'project' and you are merely doing the appropriate 'homework'.
10. Never feel intimidated. The movies are a great place to go and escape the normalcy’s of everyday life. It's dark. You can view a movie at any time of the day. Rain option (protecting you from the elements) heat option (offering you a chilled air-conditioned space). ByUrself also endorses matinees, a great way to dodge the office for a few hours!
*Going to the movies solo allows for quiet reflection without the nag of a girlfriend/boyfriend/elderly person asking you: what did he just say? what's going on? or the ever dreaded, snnooorrrr.
ENJOY IT.