NTs are not comfortable going to the cinema alone

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I've only ever went to those kinds of places with somebody. I think I would rather go with somebody than go alone. I'm not too fond of larger groups, since I have a hard time keeping up with their conversation and involving myself in it. When there are more than one to two people I find myself just spacing out while they do whatever, even if I've known them all for 10+ years.

There is something about doing those kinds of activities with at least one other person that makes it more enjoyable. I normally don't eat out or go watch movies, but if I do, one familiar person would be nice.

Its a bit pointless going to the cinema by yourself really i much prefer to go with someone and yes i am an aspie.

Movies alone? Sure; what's the big deal! I mean, I can watch TV alone and a movie is just a bigger screen.

I wonder if NTs like doing these things with other people because they tend to have so many friends and lots of people to hang out with. I started going to movies, theater and restaurants alone because I had nobody else to go with, so it started almost out of necessity. Now I'm quite used to it, and enjoy being alone. I remember once somebody at work thought it was totally pathetic that I went to see a particular movie alone, and he basically teased me about it. But I don't get that at all; what's REALLY pathetic, in my opinion, is somebody who really wants to go see a particular movie, but won't go if nobody will go with them!

I prefer movies alone, because it irritates me no end when people talk to me during the film. You can miss something critical in the time it takes for someone to say "Pass me the popcorn" - of course I don't buy goodies at the movies anyway, because I'm there to watch the movie, fer chrissakes! Some of my media jobs used to allow me access to large cinema complexes, where I could sign in and spend the entire day going from movie to movie until my eyes bled. Good times.

But these days, unless it involves amazing special effects that MUST be seen on the big screen, I'd rather wait for the DvD release and watch it at home.

Concerts are a different story, though. Not only can I not hear the other person(s) even if they talk to me once the show starts, concert arenas are usually huge spaces with hundred or thousands of strangers milling about and there is some perception of 'safety in numbers' there. I feel less at odds with myself and less overwhelmed by the sensory stimuli in a place like that if I have familiar company.

I don't like going places alone. I feel extremely uncomfortable for mostly social anxiety reasons. For example, the grocery store. There are a ton of people walking by and I'm not sure if you're supposed to look at them and smile or ignore them or what. I tend to try to completely avoid looking at anyone.. and plus I talk to myself and tend to stand/wander around awkwardly because I am uncomfortable being in the middle of so many people. Plus, people (mainly men) tend to stare at me and/or try to strike up a conversation.

Basically, I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb and it is much easier for me to have another person to place my focus on so that I don't look and feel so lost. I am more comfortable if I am on the phone or listening to music or otherwise having my attention occupied.. I guess I feel like then I have a good reason for ignoring everyone else instead of just awkwardness.

I suppose I just want an anchor in the sea of madness.

My mum always asks me to come with her to movies, and when I decline she asks someone else.
I know people that won't go to concerts alone. Honestly I prefer not having to stick to a group so not have to wait hours for a person to get ready. It's happened before.

I noticed this in high school, in psychology when the teacher asked us how many people had been to a theater alone and I was the only one who raised my hand. Although now I'm self-concious about it and I'd prefer to see a movie with someone...no problem before that.

When I was younger I would go to tons of matinees alone but not to movies on "date night". I found it depressing to never have a date and then run into people I knew (with their dates) I always felt like they were judging me and/or felt sorry for me. Once inside the darkened theater, I would enjoy watching the movie alone just fine; it was navigating the lines and lobby that I found to be anxiety producing...and I'm not autistic.

Now that I'm older (and married) I couldn't care less if I'm seen alone at the theater on date night or any other time (which is a good thing since my husband has AS and finds movies over-stimulating.)

Some movies (like Avatar) I want to see with someone so we can go out afterward to talk about all the cool effects/concepts in the film.

As for restaurants, it's pretty much the same thing. When I was younger I used to feel self-conscious going out to eat alone because I felt like people were judging me but now I just enjoy the food and ambiance and don't worry about it.

That's one of the blessings of getting older...you start to just not care about the opinions of others as much.

My view: The purpose of going to a movie is to see the movie and for that I don't need anyone else.

I will on rare occasion go with others and I don't have an issue with it but it doesn't bother me at all to go alone.
I don't like having people sit right next to me, anyway.
I usually wait until the movie has been in the theater for a few weeks before I go see it so it's not so packed.