Any ideas on what I should do for the rest of my vacation?

[MrHT]

Ok, I'm starting this thread because I am in desperate need of ideas on what to do for the rest of my vacation. I was off last week and am off this week. I already did so much, including going to museums, going to the zoo, going to a ballgame and going on a trip to Six Flags. I did most of it alone except for one museum trip and the Six Flags trip, both of which were meetup events.

This week, the meetup events are rather slim because, I guess, most people are away for the Holiday. Unfortunately I am not away and I am here at home trying to figure out what the heck I should do. I go back to work next Tuesday after Labor Day and I'm getting bored out of my mind. I don't have any friends to hang out with and even if I did, they'd probably be working. And I refuse to call up my parents because even though I love them and all, they are big party poopers and will just bum me out even more.

I'd never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait until I get back to work
next week. But until then, I need to find something to do.

Does anyone have any idea on what I can do on my own for the remainder of my vacation so I don't start going mad?

[Astro Zombie]

We all go a little mad sometimes

[geekesmind]

binge watch your favorite tv show or go hunt for pokemon

[DetroitSportsFan]

Something involving a woman is always nice.

[Gamma_Winstead]

Movie watch, play some games, take up a hobby, read some books, just go outside and enjoy nature, travel somewhere new, go to a bar and strike up a conversation.

Any of those will do.

[llj]

Try travelling someplace locally, but far enough from home that you need to stay in a hotel or hostel for a day or two. And visit the tourist sites there for a day. Or maybe take a short cruise trip (if you have the money and are near water) or a train trip.

I tell you, there's a certain kind of adrenaline rush to going somewhere far enough from the security of home all by yourself.

At least, that's what I've been doing in short bursts this summer.

[Dynamo of Eternia]

Order a pizza!

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by llj

Try travelling someplace locally, but far enough from home that you need to stay in a hotel or hostel for a day or two. And visit the tourist sites there for a day. Or maybe take a short cruise trip (if you have the money and are near water) or a train trip.

I tell you, there's a certain kind of adrenaline rush to going somewhere far enough from the security of home all by yourself.

At least, that's what I've been doing in short bursts this summer.

I admit, I've always been thinking of doing this. But isn't it kind of pathetic to travel alone, even if it's just for a day or two? I don't know any person that does that. 99.9% of people travel with family and friends. I guess that's the reason I get sad being alone. There's so much I want to do, but it doesn't look or feel right doing it alone.

[Gamma_Winstead]

Originally Posted by MrHT

I admit, I've always been thinking of doing this. But isn't it kind of pathetic to travel alone, even if it's just for a day or two? I don't know any person that does that. 99.9% of people travel with family and friends. I guess that's the reason I get sad being alone. There's so much I want to do, but it doesn't look or feel right doing it alone.

No, lol. Not at all. You only have one life. If you're limiting yourself on what you do based off what other people think you're frankly not actually living. Cut loose. Enjoy yourself. When you're dead what other people thought of you doesn't matter. Wouldn't you rather be able to look back and say you did it, even if you were alone, than leave a life of regrets?

Who knows, maybe that trip is exactly how you'd meet someone. Be it significant other or friend.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by Gamma_Winstead

No, lol. Not at all. You only have one life. If you're limiting yourself on what you do based off what other people think you're frankly not actually living. Cut loose. Enjoy yourself. When you're dead what other people thought of you doesn't matter. Wouldn't you rather be able to look back and say you did it, even if you were alone, than leave a life of regrets?

Who knows, maybe that trip is exactly how you'd meet someone. Be it significant other or friend.

I was thinking of going to the Madame Tassauds wax museum in Times Square. You know, that is so close to where I work and I've never set foot in that museum and it looks freakin' awesome. The only reason I never been there is because I don't have anyone to go with. Normally, I don't mind going to museums by myself but that particular museum is kind of tough to go alone as you'd want to have your picture taken with all the wax celebrities. I guess I could take a lot of selfies but that would just look idiotic. The place is going to be packed with families and friends taking each others' picture while here I am, pathetic and alone taking a bunch of selfies.

You see, this is why being a loner sucks. Yes, it has its advantages because I can do whatever I want without anyone in the way. But at the same time, there are times when we actually NEED people. It's very tough to do everything alone.

[WhySoBlu?]

Imagine how much fuller - and happier - your life would be if you didn't spend so much of it worrying about what other people might think...

[VictoryAtNight]

Splurge on something very expensive!

[knight17]

Originally Posted by MrHT

I was thinking of going to the Madame Tassauds wax museum in Times Square. You know, that is so close to where I work and I've never set foot in that museum and it looks freakin' awesome. The only reason I never been there is because I don't have anyone to go with. Normally, I don't mind going to museums by myself but that particular museum is kind of tough to go alone as you'd want to have your picture taken with all the wax celebrities. I guess I could take a lot of selfies but that would just look idiotic. The place is going to be packed with families and friends taking each others' picture while here I am, pathetic and alone taking a bunch of selfies.

You see, this is why being a loner sucks. Yes, it has its advantages because I can do whatever I want without anyone in the way. But at the same time, there are times when we actually NEED people. It's very tough to do everything alone.

I am ill equipped to offer advice but what I have observed though is that as you learn to love yourself and have fun, being comfortable with who you are, then others will be drawn to you. This will take time though and essentially what I am saying is that you have to be comfortable on your own. We are all alone at one point or another so learning to use that in the best possible way is the key.

Besides, when you start doing things you love, as mentioned by the rest, the chance of meeting like minded people will also increase but don't place the entire importance upon meeting new people but rather getting comfortable in expanding your own circle.

As for the selfie approach, I have always thought social media is overrated (I am 29), but you can still grab pictures without it being selfies and if you were to use a camera, you can approach someone to take a snap of you as well, creating an opening to talk to someone new (do exercise caution as some might try to run off with the camera lol).

End of the day it is up to you but for me, the list is fairly endless. If I have two full weeks to explore, I'll probably wear myself thin in accomplishing as much as possible.

Remember working is to make a living and should be done in reverse (living to work).

[bluballer]

Hookers and blow.

Seriously, though, if you work in NYC, there's tons of stuff to do that are off the beaten path. Have you been to The Cloisters? What about the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria? I would go to museums even if I were alone. It may feel weird the first few times out but ultimately you're the one that has to decide if it's worth it.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by WhySoBlu?

Imagine how much fuller - and happier - your life would be if you didn't spend so much of it worrying about what other people might think...

Originally Posted by knight17

I am ill equipped to offer advice but what I have observed though is that as you learn to love yourself and have fun, being comfortable with who you are, then others will be drawn to you.

...

Besides, when you start doing things you love, as mentioned by the rest, the chance of meeting like minded people will also increase

This is exactly why I tend to worry about what others think. If I don't, then I will NEVER meet people. First impressions count a lot. No one is going to want to get to know who you are deep down inside if they "think" you're some sort of weirdo or something. Why do you think people spend so much time buying nice clothes or looking nice? Because who would want to talk and get to know that guy in the corner that's wearing dumpy looking clothes? For all we know, he could be one of the nicest, down to earth people you'll ever meet, yet no one would even give him a chance because of how he looks.

With that said, I try very hard not to let it bother me. That is how I've gotten to the point of going to museums, to the movies, to the zoo and to the ballgame by myself. I very rarely ever see anyone at those places by themselves, yet I still suck it up and go because if I don't, I'll be home all day doing nothing but watching TV. But when it comes to activities like amusement parks, the beach or even a museum where I have to take selfies of myself.... now THAT I draw the line.

[Gamma_Winstead]

Originally Posted by MrHT

This is exactly why I tend to worry about what others think. If I don't, then I will NEVER meet people. First impressions count a lot. No one is going to want to get to know who you are deep down inside if they "think" you're some sort of weirdo or something. Why do you think people spend so much time buying nice clothes or looking nice? Because who would want to talk and get to know that guy in the corner that's wearing dumpy looking clothes? For all we know, he could be one of the nicest, down to earth people you'll ever meet, yet no one would even give him a chance because of how he looks.

With that said, I try very hard not to let it bother me. That is how I've gotten to the point of going to museums, to the movies, to the zoo and to the ballgame by myself. I very rarely ever see anyone at those places by themselves, yet I still suck it up and go because if I don't, I'll be home all day doing nothing but watching TV. But when it comes to activities like amusement parks, the beach or even a museum where I have to take selfies of myself.... now THAT I draw the line.

People who pre-judge others based on the clothes they wear aren't worth getting to know in the first place. Obviously you can't just change the way you are, but this fear of other people and what they think is ruling over your life, and it's not good for you. People aren't nearly as judgmental as you seem to think. I'm not going to say no people are, but like I said earlier, people who wouldn't be your friend because your shirt isn't perfect, or you went to a museum by yourself, aren't people worthy of friendship anyways.

As far as other people never going to things alone, I honestly don't believe that. You're letting yourself see what you believe. People go alone to movies all the time. People eat out alone all the time. People go to the zoo, and museums, alone, all the time. There's nothing wrong with it. You're going for YOUR enjoyment right? You're tying what you like to other people. What happens if you DID go to the wax museum with some, but they didn't like it and wanted to leave after five minutes? Would you just leave and not get to experience something you claim you've always wanted to see?

Not only that, but you're giving up because of what other people you don't even know might think. So you go and take a selfie with wax Daniel Craig. Why does it matter what Joe, Diane, and their five kids think of you? You'll never see them ever again. And in 100 years everyone you know (or on this case don't know) will be dead. The story of that one time you went to the wax museum lives and dies with you.

It's not something you can just go "right, I don't care what people think anymore!" But I do think it's something you need to try and conquer. The only thing you have to fear in this situation is fear itself, and you can't let it control what you do.

[knight17]

Originally Posted by MrHT

This is exactly why I tend to worry about what others think. If I don't, then I will NEVER meet people. First impressions count a lot. No one is going to want to get to know who you are deep down inside if they "think" you're some sort of weirdo or something. Why do you think people spend so much time buying nice clothes or looking nice? Because who would want to talk and get to know that guy in the corner that's wearing dumpy looking clothes? For all we know, he could be one of the nicest, down to earth people you'll ever meet, yet no one would even give him a chance because of how he looks.

With that said, I try very hard not to let it bother me. That is how I've gotten to the point of going to museums, to the movies, to the zoo and to the ballgame by myself. I very rarely ever see anyone at those places by themselves, yet I still suck it up and go because if I don't, I'll be home all day doing nothing but watching TV. But when it comes to activities like amusement parks, the beach or even a museum where I have to take selfies of myself.... now THAT I draw the line.

There is nofun in being with a bunch of people, if you end up doing things you don't like. Gamma_Winstead had said it right. You wouldn't want friends who happen to fall under the fair-weather category or are shallow to begin with.

Congrats on taking the initiative to get out of your comfort zone as that is generally the hardest part, now that you have done that,the next is to take control of your mind. While it's useful in many instances, it can be detrimental when asked the wrong questions.

Perhaps if it's hard to make friends with other human beings why not get yourself a dog or a cat as a companion. There is a responsibility involved it is a living being, but you could take it to the park, maybe meet some other dog owners in the process.

Do let us know of things you specifically love to do, I'll try to see if I can help.

I always like to reiterate that these are merely suggestions at best.

[llj]

Originally Posted by MrHT

I admit, I've always been thinking of doing this. But isn't it kind of pathetic to travel alone, even if it's just for a day or two? I don't know any person that does that. 99.9% of people travel with family and friends. I guess that's the reason I get sad being alone. There's so much I want to do, but it doesn't look or feel right doing it alone.

You do now. Me.

There's such a thing as backpackers, and many of them do at least 50% of their traveling alone. And if it really bothers you, know that it's also FAR more "socially acceptable" (and less dangerous) to travel alone if you're a man, too (which I assume you are).

Me personally, I've never had a problem with how it "looks" doing things alone. My main worry has always been if I got in trouble in a faraway place, I'd have nobody to fall back on. But as I posted above, if you choose your places wisely, you won't totally be out of your depth.

I can tell you as someone who's traveled with family and friends as well as alone, THEY CAN BE A PAIN. Everyone wants to go somewhere different from the next person, every person wants to eat at a different time, and there's the odd person who takes a hissy fit when we don't follow his schedule or go where he or she wants and becomes a downer on everyone else for the rest of the trip. Trust me. Traveling in groups has its drawbacks as well. When you're alone, you can follow your own timeline, eat when you want, and make digressions to somewhere else whenever you want. Yes, you give up the social aspect but you also build character and independence.

And then you can save the REALLY foreign places for when you actually get a wife/family/friends etc,.

[SixSpeedSamurai]

Any projects to do around the house?

On the flip side, if I was in your situation (and didn't have a wife and kids), I'd be enjoying the hell out of video games and movies. I have a backlog of both to play/watch.

[Leslie Dame]

19 Awesome Things to Do Alone