Solo Cinema

I know people who wouldn't dream of going to the movies on their own.. or more likely, wouldn't think of doing so. But after seven years of relative singledom, I've become quite good at it. 

I remember seeing an elderly gentleman at my local cinema several years ago - he was on his own and I later noticed him dining solo in the adjacent cafe. Rather than feeling sad or concerned about this 'lonely old man', I admired him for getting out and enjoying the fine things in life, company or no company. I always keep him in mind when I sneak into the cinema sans company these days.

Perhaps I'm a little set in my ways, but I relish the opportunity to peruse the cinema listing and choose any movie I like, at any cinema I like, at any time that suits me. I sneak in early, preferably with a glass of wine, and snag the best seat in the house, and afterwards sneak out quickly to beat the bathroom queue. I never have to see a movie I don't want to see and if a movie turns out to be not quite as good as expected, I don't get the guilts for dragging someone else along for the disappointment.

I've never been one to stay at home alone with a DVD, and I would rather sit in a cafe with a book or newspaper than hang around home on a lazy day. A solo trip to the cinema offers me an outing with purpose, without the need to be particularly social. 

It does mean though, that I have never been to Gold Class - although I think that is more a result of the type of movies I like ie: mostly art house and foreign films. I am also not sure I need to pay $35 for a reclining chair and a waiter roaming around the cinema mid-movie. Give me a bag of chips and a pinot noir and I'm happy! 

Yes, I love sneaking out on a Sunday afternoon, usually to Palace Como, The George or Brighton Bay. I turn off my phone and relax into whatever world the movie creates for me. Just don't ask if you can join me!