My partner belongs to a Buddhist tradition where being on solitary retreat is a part of regular practice for both men and women. Your three days in a shepherd's hut reminded me of this.
I have done some solo travel - most notably a research trip to Tajikistan in 2010, and more recently some shorter birdwatching trips. I'm an ambivert (love people but need MY people, and also my own space). Solo travel is surprisingly enjoyable - even if meeting loads of strangers is tough and draining, and not having my person to hug at the end of the day means I have to find my own resources for self-regulation. I love being able to make my own decisions, go at my own pace and listen to my body.
I haven't heard the term ambivert before, I love it. Such great self awareness you have too regarding what you need. I have often wondered about looking more into Buddhism too so it's funny you should mention that.
Did I write this post? 100% yes to everything you said! I started going on trips by myself when I was around eighteen, from a weekend away to three weeks in New York. I've always loved it and I NEED it. As much as I like travelling with (some) other people, it's just not the same as a getaway by yourself. I'm in a relationship now but this hasn't changed. Next month I'm going to Cornwall for a long weekend of hiking, writing and reading and I cannot wait! I genuinely think people who never do this are missing out. It's an opportunity to learn how to make decisions without relying on anyone else or taking anyone else into account, and how to value experiences even when there's nobody there to share them with. I realise that I'm a massive introvert and of course other people need more social interaction, but I do think the 'If a tree falls and nobody hears it, did it even make a sound?' mentality is stopping a lot of people. That's such a shame. An experience is still valuable if you're enjoying it by yourself. I think travelling solo the most liberating thing you can do, especially as a woman! I haven't had any negative comments, although there was one waitress who said 'You're by yourself? Awww how cute', haha. I'm planning on going to Florence by myself though so I wonder if I will notice the cultural difference!
I do however relate so much to the uncomfortable bar stools you get allocated. I like to think it's less about any feelings the staff has towards solo diners and more that they don't want one person to take up a table they can fill with two people and make more money (which they don't need to worry about with me because I'll eat for two) but we deserve to sit at a nice table too!
PS: Being from Flanders myself I wouldn't exactly think of Bruges as the best city to visit by yourself, especially if you're new at it. Maybe your husband can try another destination when he's ready? :)
Haha. Glad to hear I'm not the only one. I think you make such good points there Gladys, especially about the value of experiencing things but yourself. Also what you say about getting better at making decisions by yourself, I think this is a big one. This has made me think of another good topic to write about you know... choosing to be single. Not something I can personally share on at this point in my life but I reckon I could rustle up a good guest writer on it down the line. Thanks for the inspiration. And enjoy Cornwall, it sounds blissful.
My partner belongs to a Buddhist tradition where being on solitary retreat is a part of regular practice for both men and women. Your three days in a shepherd's hut reminded me of this.
I have done some solo travel - most notably a research trip to Tajikistan in 2010, and more recently some shorter birdwatching trips. I'm an ambivert (love people but need MY people, and also my own space). Solo travel is surprisingly enjoyable - even if meeting loads of strangers is tough and draining, and not having my person to hug at the end of the day means I have to find my own resources for self-regulation. I love being able to make my own decisions, go at my own pace and listen to my body.
I haven't heard the term ambivert before, I love it. Such great self awareness you have too regarding what you need. I have often wondered about looking more into Buddhism too so it's funny you should mention that.
Happy to chat via DM about Buddhism and meditation.
Did I write this post? 100% yes to everything you said! I started going on trips by myself when I was around eighteen, from a weekend away to three weeks in New York. I've always loved it and I NEED it. As much as I like travelling with (some) other people, it's just not the same as a getaway by yourself. I'm in a relationship now but this hasn't changed. Next month I'm going to Cornwall for a long weekend of hiking, writing and reading and I cannot wait! I genuinely think people who never do this are missing out. It's an opportunity to learn how to make decisions without relying on anyone else or taking anyone else into account, and how to value experiences even when there's nobody there to share them with. I realise that I'm a massive introvert and of course other people need more social interaction, but I do think the 'If a tree falls and nobody hears it, did it even make a sound?' mentality is stopping a lot of people. That's such a shame. An experience is still valuable if you're enjoying it by yourself. I think travelling solo the most liberating thing you can do, especially as a woman! I haven't had any negative comments, although there was one waitress who said 'You're by yourself? Awww how cute', haha. I'm planning on going to Florence by myself though so I wonder if I will notice the cultural difference!
I do however relate so much to the uncomfortable bar stools you get allocated. I like to think it's less about any feelings the staff has towards solo diners and more that they don't want one person to take up a table they can fill with two people and make more money (which they don't need to worry about with me because I'll eat for two) but we deserve to sit at a nice table too!
PS: Being from Flanders myself I wouldn't exactly think of Bruges as the best city to visit by yourself, especially if you're new at it. Maybe your husband can try another destination when he's ready? :)
Haha. Glad to hear I'm not the only one. I think you make such good points there Gladys, especially about the value of experiencing things but yourself. Also what you say about getting better at making decisions by yourself, I think this is a big one. This has made me think of another good topic to write about you know... choosing to be single. Not something I can personally share on at this point in my life but I reckon I could rustle up a good guest writer on it down the line. Thanks for the inspiration. And enjoy Cornwall, it sounds blissful.