A great hobby of mine is spending time with myself— If you go to the movies alone you know that it is one of life’s greatest pleasures, yes actually. We have been conditioned to adopt this hegemonic concept of going to the movies with a group of people, but I think after reading this you may question why going to the movies isn't thought of as a solitary activity. 

No dramatics, solo cinematic screening, leads to a heightened level of self-love that group cinema attendees will probably never experience. Unfortunately, it took me twenty plus years push back against this dominant ideology.

- sigh -

Honestly though, going to the movies alone also allows you to identify your own taste and discover niche movies that you wouldn't otherwise be able to if you don't have friends interested enough. 

My first solo movie experience was How to be Single in 2016. Oh, look at that! How appropriate?! Side note *  I remember thinking there was something so poetic about seeing a movie about being single while alone. Despite this utter jaw-dropping epiphany... needless to say, I FELT AWKWARD A.F. !!!  I found myself constantly checking my phone and "wrist" to make it seem like I was waiting for a friend so that I didn't give myself away. I walked alongside a mob of people comprised of couples and friend groups taking selfies and growing in excitement.  

Good thing I didn't have to stand on that theater line. I don't usually purchase snacks at cinemas. Unless I've been depriving myself of cinema popcorn for a while, or there is a discount, you probably won’t see me in that line. However, I do bring my own...Shhhh. The uninhibited nature of choosing seats amongst a couple tens along with the wanton behavior of sneaking food into the theater sustains me. 

I walked into the dimly lit cinema and found my seat nestled right in the midsection of the theater and then realized that nobody cared that I was alone. I did not get stares and my awkwardness drifted away. 

To be honest, people are so consumed in their own worlds, nobody is checkin' for me.  

If you need some more encouragement, below are more reasons why  you should consider attending a movie alone:

• You get to watch what you want

• No one talks or asks you questions over the movie

• You don't have to share your snacks.

• You're basically guaranteed a good seat

• If you don't dress up, it's not a big deal. Let me where my sweatpants and sliders in peace people!

• You become a film critic. I literally found myself commenting on the cinematography of the film

• You avoid that awkward time after the movie where you are picking up your things to exit the theater. lol, we all know this feeling.

Once you have embraced going with yourself you will never be hurt if others can't go with you in the future.  In fact,  pretty soon you will be turning down invites because you'd rather go alone.  Going to the movies solo can feel uncomfortable because, in public, we feel like others are watching us and making inferences about our social connectedness; but no one is watching you, believe me!  No one cares and you will have a chill time.  

I digress, this whole dramatic recount of my solo movie experience was to encourage you to just DO IT! 

My lovely readers, do you like solo cinematic screenings? What was your first solo move experience? 

Here is my challenge to you: Go to your next movie alone and let me know how it goes in the comments below!!