Spa Day with Food

Okay, so now it's March. The month that boasts of all things, St. Patrick's Day. 

As the month of February ended, a couple of thoughts went through my mind. One of them being, one of the essential reasons why I choose to go solo. The peace of mind that comes from dictating where to go and what happens where you are.

Patti Stanger, the millionaire matchmaker said, "Women if they really want to meet someone, need to learn to go out on their own - do not take your "ammunition" with you. Men are afraid to approach a woman if she's surrounded by a whole bunch of people."

Truer words have never been spoken. When I heard that I thought, she must have read my blog. More power to the solo traveler. 

However, on occasion I find myself asking a girlfriend, who's probably sad or getting over a breakup, to accompany me when I go out. Because I am used to dictating where I go and what happens (good or bad), I am immediately on edge and I stay on edge all evening, unable to thoroughly enjoy myself. I keep wondering, "Is she having fun? No one's buying her a drink, is that bad? She's not enjoying the play, will she blame me? This place might be too low key (uppity, quiet, bourgeoisie or expensive) for her." The place might be any of those things, and I immediately think she is not having fun, thanks to me. So that mars my evening and I end up not having fun. I don't meet anyone because I spend the better part of my evening talking to her, trying to cheer her up, keeping her company. And no one really talks to us. It's just not a scene I like. 

So that makes reason number 5 (I think?) on why I choose to go solo: to take away the hassle of having to entertain and fuss over someone else's enjoyment level at said place. You already have so much to think about in life, why add someone else's fun factor to it?

Then, back to the expense.

Most times, I like to treat myself. I go out to a nice high-brow "fancy-schmancy" place and pay for dinner in a five star restaurant. Most of the men I date cannot afford to give me that, and that's fine, it's a bad economy, wouldn't want to give them the wrong impression. Some of us are spoiled and like to spoil ourselves, I am one of those people. I often think couples have their companionship to keep them company, me, I have my solo dinner treats. I don't do this regularly either, I do it when the mood and the budget allows. But when I do get to do it, I go solo because really, not many women want to pay out of pocket to take themselves out to a nice dinner (seriously, if you meet that lady, let me know) and I don't want that promising young man to have to break the bank wining and dining me. So it ends up being a solo journey.

The dinner itself is usually a quiet, utterly enjoyable meal. The food is superb, the company of strangers is often interesting and comforting sharing war stories and escapism chitchat, plus the ambiance just makes you feel so special. It's like a mini vacation from the routine of dive bars and chain restaurants. In the end, it's a spa day but with food. You meditate (feel ultra special) while you sip and dine on some of the best food and wine. It's one of those treats we all should afford ourselves and most especially, we should try to do it solo because you wouldn't want anyone to interrupt your thoughts while indulging. 

Once again, reason number 6 on why I choose to go solo: to spoil myself at my own expense and not feel guilty about it, or so I can indulge in an occasional Spay Day with Food!