a perspective

People talk a lot about self-care these days. In our stressful, fast-paced world, taking some time out for yourself is seen as one of the ultimate luxuries. For some, that may mean a trip to the spa. Maybe a massage, some time curled up on the couch with a good book, or a warm bath with a glass of wine close at hand. For me, it looks like a trip to the movie theater. Preferably alone.

Most people have a similar reaction when I tell them I like going solo to the movie theater. “Wow, I NEVER go the movies alone. I always go with a date, or friends. Isn’t going by yourself kind of depressing?” Not for me! For one thing, I can choose whatever flick I want. Ever try getting a group of people to decide on what to watch? It can be like herding cats! If I want to watch some mindless horror movie, nobody can judge me, or if I feel like checking out a three-hour-long Swedish melodrama at the local art house, nobody can protest and say how boring that sounds. I can sit wherever I want, and keep all the snacks to myself. One small popcorn and a Dr. Pepper, please!

But the best part is the ritual of theater going. You file into a dark room, settle in, and allow yourself to be totally immersed in the moment Phone off. No distractions. Your nagging boss at work, your midterms at school, and your annoying neighbors or housemates are far, far away now. This is a palace built for one reason: seeing a film the way it was intended to be seen, straight from the Hollywood dream factory and into your eyes and ears.

So give it a shot. If you’re bored one night sitting home alone, practice a little self-care. Check your local listings, pick out what you want to watch, and head on down to somewhere nice like the Grand Lake Theater or the Castro. Take yourself out on a movie date, because you can be your own best company. And you deserve it. With a perspective, this is Ryan Allbaugh.