Screw it, I'm bringing this thread back up...
I've been thinking about going out alone again tonight. I've looked all over goggle for some feedback on this and probably 80% of people, shy or not shy, say they wouldn't do this. Why? Because they said it'd be awkward and boring. For women I can understand going out alone and how that could be dangerous, but as for men, what other excuses are people using beside looking and feeling awkward?
It's strange how we see people going on dates to coffee shops and dinner dates where everyone in the world is there and possibly watching you, so what's the difference about going alone somewhere? It's the same thing. To me, it's MORE nerving to sit in front of someone and hold an interesting conversation while sipping on coffee then it would be going to a bar alone. Everyone says it's not good to go alone but how often have they done it? I know some people have and haven't enjoyed themselves but that's possibly because they never went to talk to anybody but if they did those people weren't very receptive or kind.
I've went out alone once and it was fun (read above)! Some interesting aspects about going out alone is that your nervous when you get there so it's not that much worse to talk to someone. In fact, talking to someone makes you look less awkward so your actually looking forward to it! Going out alone makes it easier to interact with new people because you want to fit in, whereas if your with a group of friends, breaking away from them seems strange and intimidating as your already in your comfort spot.
I've been down lately and doubting myself because I don't talk much with people at school or work for various reasons. I think going out LOOKING FORWARD to talking with people will be different and will be refreshing. SO screw it, I'm going to a local spot down the street to talk to some people and have a cold one or two. It shouldn't be difficult if I make the decision to sit close by someone, order a drink, watch the tube and small talk. I'll post the results when I get back...
P.S. One thing I've noticed is if I set out to go somewhere with a goal in mind and do not at least attempt to do it, it gives me reason to doubt myself. I've found it's nearly always better to at least try and it won't be as bad as going with a goal in mind and not doing anything about it. I'll make my goals simple for tonight: go out, sit by someone, small talk, have a couple drinks, leave. If this is done successfully then I know it'll make me feel better and should motivate me to continue to keep doing such things.