Not too many women go to bars alone.
There isn't any statistical evidence behind this statement, but as a woman I don't usually find the urge to sit and drink alone at a bar. The "table for one" move at smoky restaurants or quaint little coffeeshops has always held much more appeal.
However, this past week I was asked to go out for a drink, and being a senior about to graduate in three weeks, I quickly responded to that text with a thumbs up and a beer emoji. The asker in question was serving tables at the restaurant with said bar, and asked if I would like to "come inside and wait." Shudder.
Normally I would sit in my car and stare at the Internet for half an hour until I was summoned, but this time I decided to take the plunge and go in alone...after taking fifteen minutes to stare at the Internet to psych myself up to going inside.
I had always imagined the women that went to bars alone to be the alluring, confident, take-no-prisoners kind of women that could kill men with a single glance.
That night, I wanted to be that woman. As much as I could be with my messy ponytail and while wearing a flannel with shredded cheese stuck to the collar.
I said hi to the hostess, ordered a beer and sat down and looked at my hands for a minute, trying not to think about how awkward I must have looked. After checking my phone and looking at the score of the baseball game playing on TV, I looked up and just observed.
There is so much opportunity for people watching, coming in second to airports. I saw a couple that was obviously having relationship issues drink water and share the most expensive appetizer on the menu. I saw a small tribe of hipster children talk to their parents about Bernie Sanders, and I saw an inebriated gentleman get kicked out of the restaurant by the bouncer after a nanosecond of harassing the bartender.
However, I will say that when my company did arrive I was grateful for the companionship, but was by no means desperate. It was a pleasant time, sitting by myself and soaking in the ambiance.
I'm not afraid to do it again. Most importantly, I conquered another fear that aligns with my crippling social awkwardness. Comfort zone expanded.
