How to Hangout Alone

March 14, 2024

Written by: Shelby Ruman, MS, LPC

Let’s face it. Hanging out alone can feel so overwhelming. Sometimes even going to a store or a restaurant alone can make someone feel out of place. Sometimes being alone can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to. Hanging out with just yourself doesn’t have to feel so out of the ordinary.

Let’s restructure the narrative of hanging out alone!

What is the benefit of hanging out alone?

When going out alone you are only on your own schedule, there is no managing multiple schedules or people. If you go shopping and you want to go in that one store with the cool thing in the window, no one is there to negotiate that with you, go in that store! There is no negotiating where to eat, because you are the only one deciding. If you stay in to watch a movie or your favorite show, you get to pick what to watch, and what snacks/drinks to have. If going on a hike or a walk, you can choose your path.

What are some safety tips for hanging out alone?

• Make sure someone knows where you are (family/friend) in case of emergency.
• Bring your phone in case of emergency or have a way to contact someone.
• Bring a source of light if you are going on a walk when it could get dark outside or is dark outside.
• Be alert! If you are outside by yourself – if you are listening to music, make sure you aren’t cut off from the outside noises completely.
• Stay in well-lit areas when possible.
• When parking, remember where your car is (look at landmarks or even take a picture).
• Park near a well lit area at night and near other cars.
• Remember to lock your car.
• Don’t leave personal belongings in sight (put stuff in the trunk if necessary).

Here are some ideas of what to do by yourself.

• Go to your favorite restaurant.
• Pick up food to go and have a night in, get food delivered, or make your own food at home.
• Go to the movies or have a movie at home.
• Take a walk or go explore nature (with safety precautions of course).
• Hangout with your pets if you have any.
• Clean your house but make it fun (play music or a podcast, have your favorite show on in the background, etc.).
• Start that hobby you’ve always wanted to do (crochet, woodworking, crafting, etc.)
• Conquer that home project you’ve been wanting to do.
• Read something (book, magazine, article etc.).
• Learn something you’ve been meaning to learn.
• Journal with or without a prompt.
• Create art – paint, draw, sculpt, build, etc.

What to do if you don’t want to hang out alone?

Hanging out alone isn’t for everyone, but it is something everyone may have to do from time to time. So why not make it fun with a positive mindset and a sense of feeling “with yourself” instead of “by yourself”. Hanging out alone shouldn’t feel like a last resort, but something that you do every day. Think about it. People often work solo, eat solo, shop solo, read solo, watch tv solo, scroll on their phone solo, etc.

Here are things we can do to reach out to others BUT remember if none of these work, hanging out alone isn’t a last resort, rather another option!

• Call up your friends and family to hangout.
• Video chat with friends and family who live far away if they’re available.
• Contact old friends to get together.
• Meet new people when out.
• Join a new group (support group, hobby group, workout group, etc.).
• Take a new class to learn something (look up free classes in your area).
• Volunteer at your local – food pantry, animal or other shelter, etc.

If you feel like you need help with any of the above mentioned issues, please do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment. We specialize in therapy for anxiety, therapy for depression, therapy for OCD, and more.