going solo

Today, for the first time in my 23+ years of life, I went to the movies by myself. There are probably two possible reactions to that: 1. so what, who cares? and 2. OMG, you are a loser. Generally, I have no problem being alone. In fact, I enjoy it a lot, and I suspect it probably has something to do with being an only child. I certainly don't mind shopping by myself (and actually, I think I prefer it--you can browse whatever you want and try on whatever you like and you don't have to wait around for anyone else). But it's like there's this unspoken stigma about going to the movies alone, which really makes no sense because it doesn't require social interaction to sit in a darkened theater. So even though my logical brain says it's not a big deal and I'm not horribly insecure, I was still a tiny bit nervous about it.

Anyway, I'd been meaning to do this for some time now, so today I went and saw HP 6 alone. I'd promised to go with a friend of mine who I've seen every past Harry Potter movie with, but she's not going be around until August and I thought, okay, what the hell, I'm home, I'm bored, I'm just going to go alone. Take that, arbitrary social construct! I decided the key was just to act perfectly casual, like I do this all the time, starting with the ticket purchase.

Sullen teenage employee: How are you?
Me (coolly): Good thanks. One for Harry Potter, please.
Sullen teenager: Have you seen all the other movies?
Me (unnecessarily defensive): Yes. AND I'M GOING ALONE TO THIS ONE!
Sullen teenager (bewildered): Okay.

All right, maybe I could have been a little more casual, but it's not like I whipped out my phone to prove I had real friends and family; so, not a total embarrassment. Once inside, I took a seat in the back and I was slightly comforted by seeing another woman who was there alone, munching on a bag of popcorn (granted, she was probably in her 60s, but no matter). This was really the only semi-awkward point, right before the lights dim for the previews, because that's when everyone fills up the time chatting with their friends. But other than that, it's not a big deal at all. Because honestly, everyone is too self-involved to really notice that you're by yourself, let alone think, "wow, that girl must have no friends, what a pity." At least this is what I told myself, but I really think it's true. I thought I did see some tweens glance in my direction, but I just told myself I was older and wiser and plus I could drive, so there. And that satisfied me enough. I may have felt a little self-conscious at first, but it pretty much faded away once the movie started.

It wasn't bad at all; it was actually quite nice and I'd do it again. Not a comedy though (more fun in groups), but for indies and dramas I think it'd probably be nice to be able to sit and process your thoughts. I wouldn't go on a Friday or Saturday night (sorry, but I'm not quite that secure), but midday matinees are game.

Weighing the pros and cons of independent movie-going:

++ No need to share your popcorn/Sour Patch Kids
++ Won't have to put up with friends who like to ask inane questions, make unnecessary comments, or can't follow the plot (you know who I mean)
++ You can use BOTH cupholders on either side of you
++ You can go when you want, sit where you want, and see what you want
++ Relatedly, you won't be stuck watching a shitty movie your friend forced you to go to
++ You can feel superior about embracing your fierce independence

-- No one with whom to split the cost of flagrantly overpriced theater popcorn
-- No one to watch your stuff if you have a very small bladder and the tendency to need to pee during a movie (just me?)
-- Can't make fun of bad trailers by yourself
-- No post-viewing discussion
-- People might think you're a loser

All in all, I still think I prefer to go with other people, but going by myself was equally enjoyable. Now that I've broken the proverbial ice, so to speak, maybe I'll go see The Hurt Locker next week at the indie place, if I can't force anyone to go with me...

So, going to the movies solo...no big deal or one step closer to Salinger-esque hermitude??