Time to start doing more things alone
By Roberto A. Ferdman, Washington Post
On any given Friday night, bars, restaurants and movie theaters tend to fill up with people spending time with friends, lovers, and family. But when the weekend comes, those who find themselves on their own are likelier to be found on the couch, at home, doing something in private.
There’s nothing particularly strange here. But maybe we’re missing out when we automatically choose to stay in when we don’t have social plans.
“People decide to not do things all the time just because they’re alone,” said Rebecca Ratner, a professor of marketing at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, who has spent almost half a decade studying why people are so reluctant to have fun on their own and how it may lead to, well, less fun overall. “But the thing is, they would probably be happier going out and doing something.”
Ratner has a new study titled Inhibited from Bowling Alone, a nod toRobert Putnam’s book about Americans’ waning participation in group activities, that’s set to publish in the Journal of Consumer Research in August.
Never had this problem. Backpacking alone for a few days is a highly rewarding expierience. I highly recommend it for personal growth and discovery.
Tahoebluewire, Back country skiing was something I often did alone, but more often times with friends. Just me and the dog on Echo Rim or out to Carson Pass. Looking back on it probably was not very safe. But those were wonderful times!
Also used to eat at El Pavo alone when I was single.Good food at that ol place.
`Doing things alone can be very rewarding for a person.
Enjoy, OLS
Nothing wrong with a little peace and quite. I like to hike alone because I go at my on pace.