GIRL TRAVELS LESS

“I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.” — Oscar Wilde

The other day,my friend returning from vacation couldn’t help but confess – When I had five hours for the next flight, I spent it exploring the city. All alone!! I wonder why people hesitate to go out and do things on their own. In fact I wonder why I never ventured to explore places on my own!  

I remember being asked – Why would you want to do that? along with a stare which conveyed this is queer when I mentioned about my solo travel. Years back I used to be dubious when I had to eat alone (!) in the cafeteria because I thought I would be perceived as lonely. With time and experiences I have learnt that the one person with whom you spend the least time is yourself. The society somehow deems the notion of doing things alone equates to being gloomy and lonely. Living in the era where we are busy updating Facebook/Instagram, chatting on Messengers/WhatsApp/Viber, attending meetings, sending emails, working and as well as making conversations/human interactions all at the same time leaves little or no ME time! While good company is welcome and enjoyable it shouldn’t or rather isn’t queer when one chooses to enjoy a meal alone / watch movies alone / wants to travel alone. If there is something you want to pursue or enjoy doing lack of company should not pose as an obstacle.Nothing should stop you from doing what you enjoy.

Pursuing what you want and doing it even if it is something as small as a meal or a movie is a sign of confidence.Next time you see someone in a restaurant eating alone, don’t bat your eyelids and think – It’s sad he/she doesn’t have a company. He/She might be enjoying a little ME time 🙂