Happily, the lonely: People spend alone time eating out, shopping etc.

While many may find eating out or stepping out for a drink or coffee all alone a daunting experience, there are those who not only find the act comfortable but also thrive on it. It’s not about being a solo-adventurer but finding that connect with yourself that keeps them going out to explore on their own.

The urban metrosexuals love their “Me- time” and are not shying away from dining out, watching a movie or even going for a drink all by themselves, not because they don’t have enough friends or family, but simply because they love doing it.

Socialite Ila Dorairaj Naidu loves to spend time in her own company. She states, “love my ‘me’ time. However large my friends circle is, I still like to have the occasional meal and glass of wine in my own company. It’s quite liberating! Even when I travel abroad, I like to hang out by myself and get a coffee in a cafe or a beer sometime. Just sitting there people watching and soaking in the buzz without having to chat with anyone is extremely therapeutic.”

Singer and anchor Ramya Vasishta who chooses to be alone at a restaurant or at the movies. She likes to eat a meal by herself, despite having some wonderful people in her life. She brushes off people who think that there must be something wrong with her and goes on these outings on her own.

“I find peace and tranquility when I spend time with myself. It makes me more aware of myself. I love sitting quietly by the window looking outside, at the pitter patter or the clear blue sky. It gives me a lot of clarity of thought, when I’m alone at a coffee shop, spending hours sipping on a cappuccino,” states Ramya.

Sathish Madhavan, a young banker states, “I’ve done everything alone-dined out, went for drinks, movies and travelled solo. It saves me from living up to the tantrums of family and friends.” An independent, young working professional, Sowmya Shenoy finds the prospect of a solo outing quite empowering as she states, “My friends always wonder how I can spend time alone having coffee, lunch or just a drink. It gives me time to introspect, catch up on some writing, return phone calls and also make new friends and even make small talk with the hotel staff about food and what keeps them going all day. I have many friends to go out with, but grabbing some “me” time out of it all is simply refreshing.”