Would You Rather # 19: Go to a Movie or Dinner alone?

Are you a loner? Do you prefer to walk alone than be part of a clique? Do you find life less complicated with little to no people to meddle in your affairs? Or are you the sociable type but still appreciate some time alone to spend with self from time to time? Then this is a question for you.

Apart from the action going on-screen, what makes watching a movie fun? Is it the fact that you’re alone so you can scream, laugh or lash out loud as much as you like? Or is sharing the excitement or disappointment of a movie with family or friends what makes the activity memorable? Well, it might depend on the personality of the one involved or the availability of a movie buddy to share the pastime with.

Usually, most people have dinner at home; they only eat out when they have someone to sit with. Having dinner out isn’t just about eating fancy food with expensive wine but the time spent with the one at the other end of the table. It is making the best out of the time to bond with another be it spouse, friend, parent or colleague. Cozy ambience for some quality time.

Movies can be enjoyed alone or in some good company. Some movies are better watched with someone especially horror movies. No one has to tell you not to watch horror movies alone. You need someone to scream with you and a back to shield your eyes when something scary is about to happen. I enjoy watching by myself the kind of movies which are emotionally stimulating and cause me to tear up. I don’t want anyone to see me in my emotional elements. (Did you tear up watching the Fault in our Stars? I did!)

I don’t mind eating by myself; I do that most of the time at home. Solo dinner with a good TV series is just fine with me. But to step out of the comfort of my home and go have dinner out by myself is certainly not my cup of tea. The empty seat opposite me will just throw the appetite out the window.

I’m not a big fan of going to the movies; my bed is a perfect theatre for me to enjoy the show. Going to the movies by myself doesn’t sound so far-fetched to me either. I can imagine myself in a theatre and taking it all in where I feel like I’m in a world of my own in the midst of strangers.

Truth be told, going out to dinner or to a movie is a moment worth sharing with someone by your side. But if I have to choose, I’d rather go to the movies alone. Sitting by yourself in a restaurant would catch the attention of any inquisitive eye in there and call for unnecessary gossip. I’d rather spare the worried observer her time and energy.

As for movies, I doubt anyone cares whether you’re by yourself or not. The important thing we all shout ‘oh!’ and ‘ah!’ together when a scene demands it.

Which one would you rather go to by yourself and why? Kindly share your thoughts.

Josephine Amoako © 2016