Would you consider yourself more of an introvert or an extrovert? While I know it’s difficult to pin people neatly into specific categories (although it does make life easier, doesn’t it), I can comfortably say I am an ‘Introverted Extrovert.’ A Former pure Extrovert, my slow descent into Adulthood has seen me relish the comforts of nights in, pyjamas and regular unsocial events. However, what contradicts all of this ‘alone’ time is that usually I want Stag around for all of it. Deep down, I am my best, most motivated self when I am around others. And while I am so happy I’ve found a Life Partner who brings me joy and confidence, there are the occasional times when I’m — gasp — left alone. Such as this upcoming bank holiday weekend.
There’s a laziness that comes from being in a long-term relationship, one that is just an inevitable part of getting old and settling down. Why bother trying to meet new people when you know you have a guaranteed buddy-to-do-things-with? Both a joy and a dangerous complacency, I never realised that this laziness had taken hold until this upcoming bank holiday weekend crept up.
“Wait, wait, you’re gone for the entire bank holiday weekend?” I asked Stag with a bit too much panic in my voice. “As in a weekend where everyone is off doing fun stuff with their partners or families and I’m alone?”
Stag, in his hero-like way, just patted my shoulder and responded with a slightly condescending, “I’m sure you’ll have loads of fun while I’m gone.” (He, more confident and happy on his own, doesn’t quite get it).
However, right then and there it clicked; I had allowed my partner to become a crutch so I wouldn’t have to face being alone. And I was not okay with that.
That’s when I decided to take control of the situation and see it as a positive; I got a weekend to myself. A sunny (hopefully), Spring bank holiday weekend to make the most of, on my terms. To remember how confident and comfortable I can be in my own skin. To move at my own pace, and to reflect.
A Weekend ‘Alone’ (kind of): What I’m Getting Up To.
1 // Friday: Taking a Stroll Through Bermondsey Square Antiques Market
True story: I lived in Bermondsey for nearly a year back in the day, and I still never managed to make it to the antique market. Yes, this can be scapegoated by the fact that I worked at a corporate office job for most of my London-life. However, in truth, I’ve never been because I have never found anyone to go with. And now, having the freelancing freedom to alter my schedule and try things on Fridays as I please, I’ve decided to just go with myself, coffee in hand, to enjoy my own company for a change.
Tune in to my instagram stories on Friday to see all the antiques!
Bermondsey Antiques Market
Fridays 6am — 2pm
Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN
2 // Saturday: Heading to the Reading Beer Festival.
Has anyone been to this before? Some of Stag’s friends are attending (whom have become my friends by osmosis, too), and while my first inclination was to decline the invite because Stag is away that weekend, I decided to Carpe Diem it all and say yes. I’m desperately looking forward to a day of drinking, spending quality time with friends (getting to know some of Stag’s friends better has been a true joy of our relationship), and hoping I don’t fall asleep in the park. Day drinking is kind of the worst.
Reading Beer & Cider Festival
27 — 30 April 2017
3 // Sunday: Attending the Country Living Spring Fair.
Through gorgeous bag company (and one of my faves, as you would have seen on my instagram), Aurora London, I’ve luckily won 2 tickets to the Country Living Spring Fair on Sunday. Initially upon winning them, I thought, “Oh great, Stag will have to suffer through another girly event with me,” and then I remembered he was gone this weekend. I had resigned myself that, well, perhaps I would just go alone — and, after a few days of mulling this over, I realised I was okay with that. In the end, I have a friend who’s going to join me. But I felt pleased knowing I was completely and utterly comfortable heading to an event solo.
The fair is up in Alexandra Palace, a place in London I’ve never visited before, adding to the appeal.
Country Living Spring Fair
27 — 30 April 2017
Alexandra Palace, London
4 // Monday: Enjoying my own Company.
The day I’m most worried about, but the day I’m determined to make the best of the whole weekend. I can’t remember the last time I took a walk around the city by myself, or went to the movies. (Okay, that last one is a lie, because the last time I went to the cinema alone I saw Eclipse in the middle of the day. Just me, teenage vampires and a judgment-free tub of popcorn. Glory.) My plan is not just to enjoy myself, but to challenge myself, because I want to learn to feel totally comfortable on my own and in my own skin. A life-long quest, I can only imagine, and one that will shape and form as the years pass.
In the end, I’m sure I’ll just end up working on the blog and watching Escape to the Country reruns. I’m hoping this will be my accountability check to do a bit more than that.
Further Reading: Finding Joy in Your Own Company.
6 Reasons You Should Spend More Time Alone | Psychology Today
The Unexpected Pleasure of Doing Things Alone | The Atlantic
10 Things that Happen When You get Used to Being on your Own | Thought Catalog
The Stigma of Doing Things Alone | Huffpost