Going out alone in public can be a daunting task for many. But it’s also a powerful way to learn more about yourself.

Doing things solo, whether it’s eating at a restaurant or watching a movie, can reveal aspects of your personality you may have overlooked before.

Exploring the world alone is a journey of self-discovery that can teach you about your preferences, your fears, and your strengths.

In this piece, we’re going to delve into the 8 things you learn about yourself when you venture out in public on your own. Let’s dive in.

1) Self-awareness

When you’re alone in public, you’re given a unique opportunity to truly tune into your own thoughts and feelings.

You’re not preoccupied with conversation or distracted by someone else’s needs and desires. It’s just you, your mind, and the world around you.

This solitude can lead to a heightened sense of self-awareness. You may discover preferences and tendencies you didn’t even realize you had.

For instance, you might find out that you prefer quiet cafes over bustling ones, or that crowded places make you feel more anxious than you thought.

Doing things alone in public can be a powerful mirror, reflecting back to you who you really are when no one else is around. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.

2) Independence

Going solo in public is also a great test of independence. It’s about being comfortable with your own company and not relying on others for entertainment or validation.

I remember the first time I went to a movie alone. It felt awkward. I was self-conscious and kept wondering if people were judging me. But as the movie started, I found myself completely engrossed in the story.

I wasn’t worried about whether my companion was enjoying it or if we should discuss something during the interval. It was just me and my reactions to the film.

That day, I learnt that I could enjoy an experience wholly on my own terms, without needing someone else’s presence to validate it. It was a liberating realization of my own independence.

3) Improved decision-making

When you’re out alone, all decisions rest on your shoulders – from which restaurant to choose, to which movie to watch. There’s no one else to lean on or blame.

This can significantly improve your decision-making skills over time. In fact, a study published in the American Psychological Association found that individuals who are more comfortable spending time alone tend to make better decisions and are less likely to succumb to peer pressure.

The simple act of choosing where to eat lunch when you’re by yourself in public can contribute to developing a more decisive character. It’s a small but powerful way to grow and learn about yourself.

4) Heightened observation

When you’re out alone, you tend to become a keen observer. Without the distraction of companionship, you’re more likely to notice the world around you in finer detail.

You might find yourself observing the people passing by, the architecture of the buildings, or even the rhythm of the city itself. This can not only make you more attuned to your surroundings but also improve your ability to read people and situations.

Spending time alone in public can turn you into a more mindful individual, one who appreciates the little details that often go unnoticed when we’re engrossed in conversation or focused on someone else.

5) Understanding solitude

Being alone doesn’t necessarily mean being lonely. This is a powerful realization that often comes from doing things alone in public.

In the hustle and bustle of life, we can forget the value of spending time with ourselves. But when you venture out solo, you learn to embrace solitude and find comfort in your own company.

You learn to enjoy the silence, to appreciate the peace that comes from being alone with your thoughts. You begin to understand that solitude is not something to be feared or avoided but a state to be cherished for its ability to bring clarity and self-understanding.

Finding joy in solitude is an important aspect of personal growth and one of the most heartfelt lessons you can learn from doing things alone in public.

6) Confronting insecurities

When I first started dining out alone, I found that I was acutely aware of the tables filled with friends and families around me. I’d often feel a pang of envy and self-doubt, wondering if they were pitying or judging me.

Over time, however, I realized that these feelings had less to do with the people around me and more to do with my own insecurities. I was projecting my fears onto them. This realization was a turning point for me.

Doing things alone in public forced me to confront and work through these insecurities. I learned that most people are too wrapped up in their own worlds to pay much attention to a stranger dining alone.

It taught me to be comfortable in my own skin, regardless of the situation or the company. It was a tough but valuable lesson in self-confidence and self-acceptance.

7) Valuing time

When you do things alone, you become the sole master of your time. There’s no need to adjust your schedule or pace to match someone else’s.

Whether you want to spend three hours in a bookstore, or leave a concert halfway through, the choice is entirely yours. This freedom can lead to a newfound appreciation of your own time.

You learn to value each moment and make decisions that prioritize your own enjoyment and satisfaction. It’s a wonderful way to discover what truly matters to you, how you like to spend your time, and what brings you happiness.

8) Self-discovery

Ultimately, doing things alone in public is a journey of self-discovery. It allows you to strip away the distractions and influences of others and truly get to know yourself.

You learn about your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses, your fears and passions. You learn to trust yourself, to enjoy your own company, and to value your own opinion.

This journey may be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every step you take alone is a step towards getting to know the most important person in your life a little bit better – you.

Embrace the journey

The journey of self-discovery is a deeply personal and profound one. It’s a journey that takes courage, patience, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

Doing things alone in public can be an incredible catalyst for this journey. It strips away the noise, the distractions, and the influences of others, allowing you to truly see yourself for who you are.

It’s not always comfortable. There will be moments of awkwardness, moments of self-doubt, even moments of loneliness. But there will also be moments of joy, moments of discovery, and moments of profound insight.

And at the end of the day, isn’t that what life is all about? Learning, growing, discovering who we are and what makes us tick?

So go ahead. Take that solo trip. Dine alone at that fancy restaurant. Go watch that movie by yourself. Embrace the solitude. Embrace the discomfort. Embrace the journey.

You might just be surprised at what you find out about yourself.