I went to a matinee by myself on a Tuesday afternoon, which I’d never done before because it always seemed like something that required a reason or a companion. The theater was almost empty. I bought a medium popcorn, sat in the exact seat I wanted, and watched the whole thing without whispering to anyone or checking anyone else’s reaction to know how I was supposed to feel.
Turns out I liked the movie more than I would have with company. There was something about experiencing it completely on my own terms, with no one else’s response in the room, that made it feel more mine somehow. I’ve gone back three times since. Always alone. Always on a Tuesday if I can help it. Some experiences are better without a witness. Not lonely, just fully yours.