I was driving to a work thing today when I was struck with the idea of going on a date with myself. My boyfriend is out-of-town, and I was thinking of going out with him, but then realized I couldn’t, so thought about going alone and then decided I should make a blog post out of it since my goal is to write at least two posts a month…

Hence, my tale about my party of one.

It started off rough. I almost flaked on myself. After my work meeting, a friend/co-worker asked if I wanted to get some food. My initial thought was yes! But then, I DID make a date just an hour prior so… I mumbled an excuse and proceeded to my car.

I had already looked up showtimes for a movie and had found a Groupon for a Mediterranean restaurant a block from the theater on third street in Santa Monica that I was going to. I considered it fate and bought it, which so happened to be available for one, two or four people. Here’s a little fact by the way – there are very few Groupons good for one person. Either they are more than enough for two to spend or they specifically state that TWO PEOPLE must use it. Geez. Can’t the solo diners get some love too?

Anyway. I drove to the third street mall, which was barely recognizable from the time I worked around the block from it twelve or so years ago. I dug the vibe of silver and modernism of it all, not to mention the three-hour parking that only cost me $2.50.

Hummus Bar Express was yummy! I chose a spot near the front of the communal tables and wouldn’t you know, within minutes, a single lady diner was to my left and to my right. We didn’t say one word to each other, but I think silently we bonded in respect for one another. We solo diners. I got chicken, rice and salad. One of my favorite meals. I only ate half and decided to pack up the rest even though I was going to a movie.

And I’m glad I did because after purchasing a ticket (well, really using a gift certificate I’ve had in my wallet since last Christmas), I entered the theater to discover I was the only one in it. I took center middle seat and propped my feet up. I used to always sit a bit to one side but my boyfriend, being in the sound business, has really convinced me to always go for center, middle if possible. But I digress. It was two minutes til showtime. By the time the trailers rolled, three other solo movie goers joined me in this lonely theater and together, we watched a mediocre film. I really wanted to like THE FAMILY. I mean, it’s directed and co-written by Luc Besson who made one of my favorite films THE PROFESSIONAL. It’s executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro and Michelle Piefer star in it. It had the elements. Unfortunately, it didn’t have a story. Or anything really resembling one. Sigh.

I stayed to the end though and was even able to eat the rest of my food. Considering all four of us movie goers were seated far enough away from each other to pretend we had the place to ourselves, I took full advantage of it. In that sense, the experience was very comfortable. And the soundtrack was great.

Without waiting for the entire credits, I left the theater and walked out to the half-filled promenade. Passing a guitarist and singers, I breathed in the tepid fall air of this dry October Los Angeles night and thought about what a relaxing evening it was.

I thought to myself, “We should do this more often.”