9 things truly confident people never feel self-conscious about doing alone, according to psychology

Most people feel a little awkward doing certain things alone.
Whether it’s eating at a restaurant, going to the movies, or traveling solo, there’s often a fear of looking lonely or out of place.
But truly confident people don’t let that stop them. They know that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely—and they don’t waste energy worrying about what others think.
Psychology shows that self-assured people embrace their independence and enjoy doing things solo without feeling self-conscious. Here are 9 things they never hesitate to do alone.
1) Eating at a restaurant alone
For some people, dining alone feels uncomfortable. They worry about looking lonely or like they don’t have any friends.
But truly confident people don’t think that way. They enjoy their own company and see solo dining as an opportunity to relax, enjoy their meal, and maybe even do some people-watching.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”
Confident people understand this—they don’t need external validation to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Instead of feeling self-conscious, they embrace the freedom of eating alone. No small talk, no need to compromise on where to eat—just them, their meal, and a moment of peace.
2) Going to the movies alone
I used to think going to the movies alone would feel weird—like everyone around me would be silently judging me for not having company.
But one day, I really wanted to see a film that none of my friends were interested in, so I decided to just go by myself.
And you know what? It was amazing.
No distractions, no one whispering next to me, no need to compromise on which movie to watch. Just me, fully immersed in the story on screen.
Psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Loneliness does not come from having no people around, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.”
That really stuck with me because I realized that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely—it just means I’m comfortable enough with myself to enjoy my own company.
Now, I actually prefer watching certain movies alone. It’s my time to escape, reflect, and enjoy the experience without worrying about anyone else.
3) Traveling alone
The first time I booked a solo trip, I was terrified.
What if I got lost? What if people looked at me with pity? What if something went wrong and there was no one there to help me?
But deep down, I knew I had to do it. I was tired of waiting for others to be available, tired of missing out on experiences just because no one else could come with me. So I packed my bags and went.
And yes, there were moments when it felt uncomfortable—sitting alone at dinner, navigating a foreign city without a travel buddy. But then something incredible happened: I realized I was capable. I could figure things out on my own. I could enjoy my own company.
Psychologist Rollo May once said, “The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity.”
That hit me hard. How many times had I conformed to the idea that experiences were only valid if shared with someone else?
Traveling alone taught me more about myself than any group trip ever could. Now, it’s one of my favorite things to do.
4) Going to a concert alone
At first, the idea of going to a concert alone felt… sad. Live music is something people usually experience together, right?
Singing along, sharing the energy of the crowd—it felt like something I should do with friends.
But when my favorite band came to town and no one else could make it, I decided to go anyway.
And honestly? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I wasn’t worried about anyone else. I didn’t have to coordinate plans. I just got lost in the music, completely in the moment. It was freeing.
Psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, who coined the concept of “flow,” once said, “The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
That’s exactly how I felt—fully present, fully alive.
Now, I never hesitate to buy a solo ticket if there’s an artist I love. The experience is just as powerful—maybe even more so—when you’re there purely for yourself.
5) Speaking up in a group
You’d think that confident people never feel awkward speaking up in a group, but here’s the surprising truth—sometimes they do.
The difference? They don’t let that discomfort stop them.
I used to hesitate before sharing my thoughts in meetings or group conversations, afraid I’d say the wrong thing or that no one would care. But then I realized something: the most confident people aren’t always the loudest or the most polished—they’re just the ones willing to speak up despite their doubts.
Psychologist Albert Bandura, known for his work on self-efficacy, said, “People’s beliefs about their abilities have a profound effect on those abilities.”
In other words, confidence isn’t about never feeling self-conscious—it’s about believing in yourself enough to push through it.
6) Going to a party alone
Walking into a party by yourself can feel intimidating.
Who will you talk to? Will people think you have no friends? Will it be awkward standing there alone?
But truly confident people don’t let those thoughts hold them back. They trust in their ability to connect with others and don’t need the safety net of arriving with a group to feel comfortable.
Psychologist Erik Erikson, known for his work on identity and social development, once said, “The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.”
Confident people are secure in who they are, which makes them better at navigating social situations without fear of judgment.
Instead of worrying about how they’re perceived, they focus on being present, meeting new people, and enjoying the experience—whether they showed up alone or not.
7) Asking for help
For a long time, I saw asking for help as a weakness.
I thought confident people were supposed to have it all figured out, that needing help meant I wasn’t capable enough. So I struggled in silence, pretending I had everything under control—even when I didn’t.
But eventually, I learned the hard way that trying to do everything alone doesn’t make you strong. It just makes you exhausted.
Psychologist Brené Brown, known for her research on vulnerability, said, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Truly confident people understand this—they know that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.
Now, I don’t hesitate to reach out when I need support. Because real confidence isn’t about pretending you don’t need anyone—it’s about knowing you’re strong enough to ask.
8) Admitting when they’re wrong
You might think confident people always feel sure of themselves—but the truth is, the most self-assured individuals have no problem admitting when they’re wrong.
For a long time, I thought confidence meant standing your ground no matter what. I’d defend my opinions, even when deep down, I had doubts.
But I’ve realized that true confidence isn’t about always being right—it’s about being open to growth and willing to change your mind when presented with new information.
Psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her work on mindset, said, “Becoming is better than being.”
Confident people embrace this idea—they don’t see being wrong as a failure, but as an opportunity to learn and improve. Because real confidence comes from knowing that growth is more important than ego.
9) Spending a weekend alone
There was a time when the idea of spending an entire weekend alone made me uneasy.
No plans, no social events, just me and my own thoughts? It felt like I should be filling my time with people, as if being alone meant I was somehow missing out.
But the more I allowed myself to fully embrace solitude, the more I realized how refreshing it could be. No obligations, no need to entertain anyone—just time to rest, reflect, and do whatever I genuinely wanted.
Psychologist Esther Perel once said, “The quality of your life ultimately depends on the quality of your relationships. And that includes the relationship you have with yourself.”
Confident people understand this—they don’t see alone time as something to avoid, but as something valuable for self-growth and clarity.
Now, I actually look forward to solo weekends. Whether it’s reading, going for a long walk, or simply enjoying the quiet, I’ve learned that being alone isn’t something to fear—it’s something to appreciate.