Being Alone Isn't That Bad, Right?
It turns out that daring to be alone, especially going alone, is difficult for many people, if they're not used to it. But then again, being alone isn't as scary as people who are used to company or groups might imagine.
I'm intrigued by the topic of this week's Coffee Shop Prompt. "The Empty Chair Across From You: Write about a coffee shop visit where you expected company but sat alone—or the reverse, when solitude was interrupted. What shifted in the space itself?"
Initially, I hoped for company, for example, from my husband. Then he suddenly texted me that he still had work to do, and I ended up alone.
The initial expectation of company created an awkward atmosphere at the coffee shop. My confidence suddenly faded. Sometimes I felt panicked. Somehow, I felt afraid of being looked at strangely for coming alone without a friend. But that's okay, that's normal.
That's why I edited the color photos to a dark tone. It suited the situation of being alone.
But look. Even though the tone is dark, it still looks good, doesn't it? Just like being alone, it doesn't have to be bad. There's always something else to enjoy.
Enjoy your coffee while listening to music with earphones, or reading a book. Or, try to find something unique about that place. Just think of it as taking photos to leave behind as memories for the future 🙂
Well, back when I was in college, I was too shy to go out in public alone. I felt like I was weird, especially since people around me, especially women, would go out with friends.
But over time, after I started working and got used to being alone, I realized that many of the things we fear are just in our heads. In fact, the world is too busy to notice what we do.
So, stay confident. Enjoy your coffee even when you're alone. Love what you do, even when no one else is watching. ♥️
Best Regards,
Anggrek Lestari
Anggrek Lestari is an Indonesian fiction writer who has published two major books. Now She is a full-time content creator. She has a goal to share life, poem, and food content that makes others happy and can get inspiration.
Contact Person: [email protected]
Discord: anggreklestari#3009
I wouldn't have dreamed of going into a café on my own in my younger days. Now I'm a lot older, you can't keep me out! I see a lot of people on their own. I also think it's a good way of making friends, as people on their own sometimes strike up conversations with each other.
I love making conversation with new people, also just being alone. So just enjoy life 🙂
Todo depende como lo veas , a veces la soledad te da libertinaje 😁
The image belongs to millycf1976.
Thank you ♥️ have a coffee liciius day
For me, some people build their confidence from being surrounded by others, having close friends who support and accompany them. But for those of us who are used to eating alone, traveling alone, and doing things on our own, we don't always need other people to join us in our activities.
There's a saying that "no man is an island," and I agree that we all need a support system. However, those people won't always be around. That's why it's important to develop the ability to stand on our own and be comfortable doing things independently.
Over the years, we've built that confidence and self-reliance. For some people, being alone is difficult because they haven't had the chance to develop that skill yet. In that sense, we're fortunate, we've learned how to enjoy our own company and navigate life even when we're on our own.
Learning to enjoy by ourselves is a must now days :)
When I was young, people, especially women never went into restaurants and coffee shops by themselves. It's different now. I see people eating alone all the time, particularly if they are eating at a counter. I love counter seating :) I don't go out to eat much anymore, so you won't see me there :) But you will see other people/women.
When I first entered the tough working world, traveling alone was the norm. But even today, many people are still embarrassed to travel alone, even for important matters. So, having the courage to travel alone is certainly beneficial in some ways. 🙂
I'm one of them, I just can't, my shyness always got the best of me. Whenever I gain confidence to do everything alone, I ended up overthinking things. And when it happens, I'd rather just go home and enjoy the peace in my room. Its hard seriously, I want to try new things, new places alone but everytime, this shyness always come in my way. I hate it but that's just really how I become now. My shyness only disappeared when i'm with ma and the oldies haha.
Just enjoy your own 🙂 no problem dear
Before everything was done on smartphones I liked going to cafes alone. It was easier to have casual low stakes conversations with people. Nowadays I feel most people are not as interested in talking or they have ulterior motives. That might just be in Japan though.
I love travel by myself. I want a chance to just walk around and explore without having to compromise on every small decision.
I think I prefer to go to events with people though
Nowadays, everyone wants to have more time for themselves, especially after facing days of work.
One of the best things we, human beings, can do for ourselves (in every possible way) is to learn to enjoy our own company.
Looks like you did very well (at least on that episode), @anggreklestari.