I''m a senior citizen who enjoys dining out but have few\nchances because my few remaining friends are eitther too\nphysically challenged or their limited funds keep them from\nparticipating.  Can I go alone without feeling out of place?
206378
Sure its ok, take it from a restaurant waiter, some of my regular customers were senior citizens and I was glad to see them there. Just enjoy your meal, dont feel out of place.
609525
Go out with your friends, to a dance, a movie, most anything that appeals to you, and your friends. There is no BAD going out. You can have fun at most anything, if you want to. I go out a lot with friends to dances, clubs, outdoor concerts, whatever, and we have a great time. I am finally beginnning to "loosen up" a little, and dance some........you know what, I LOVE it! I am the "shy" type too, but it helps if there's others there. Go out! Have a   good time! You deserve it! Good Luck!!
639297
i go a lot by myself.i don't too often have anyone to go with me.i don't really care what people think....why,yopu wanna go to the movie with me?
133505
it would make it easier on you now that he moved out and away to say to him you really feel you need your space. just let him know you've never experienced life by yourself. you were 19 when you got into this and now that your 21 (my 21 b-day is in 7 days i so syked!), you're old/young enough to experience everything you've wanted. if you feel you want to go out and have fun as a single more power to you to follow your heart and do what'll make you happy! GL
27927
Try rewarding yourself with something you want for going out in the world to do something you need to do. I love cheesburgers so I use that to get me out of the house. Ill go run the errand or pick up what i need and then go by my favorite burger joint for my reward. It may sound silly to many people, but to those who have dealt with agorophobia it will not. Step by step you can get back out there .
74193
Don't feel self conscious about it. I do it all of the time.Sometimes i prefer to be alone so that i can leave when i want or stay as long as i like.Find a bar where lots of after work people meet .I bet you will see you are not the only one who comes alone.Also I  have met lots of interesting people this way.If it is still uncomfortable maybe you could find a co-worker that would want to stop too.It does not look bad to me when i see someone come in alone.At all.But I do remember feeling the same way you do when i first started stopping by myself.
339688
is she really your friend? because if she is, then she would not have left you there alone by yourself. she could have introduced you to everybody and made sure that you had a great time.  i also think that she is not your friend cuz she does not enjoy your company. the fact that she embarrassed you to her guests and asked you to leave is not in any way a gesture of friendship. so, why do you have to be bothered if this friendship goes down the drain. in fact, it has been in the drain already.  you will be better off without her because she does not care for you and don't waste your time on such a person. it is you who is a real friend becoz no matter what she did, you still want to save this friendship. look around for someone who deserves your kind of friendship and i am sure that when you do find that someone, she will be a lucky person to have you.
463887
I am like you, I don't like clubs/pubs. People think I am crazy, as pubs are an institution where I live. But eh, at the end of the day, you go out to entertain yourself, not to be bored or feel awkward. And I don't drink either.\n\nMy advice to you would be to find something you like to do, like going to the cinema, to the restaurant with your friends, and compromise with them.
4340
I can understand how you might feel a little used. However, if your all having a good time, and its a good deal to you, then just go with it. Maybe you could make the call next time to a new place if it really starts to bother you. Do you HAVE to partake in the $40 deal? Or can you just buy yourself one drink and still have a good time?
392728
Good question Amy, Seems as it sounds like you are an older women who has got herself established at the cost of sacrificing a social life in the quest to do so.\n\nI would not accept anything from anyone either so I know what you mean whole heartily, I find that cos you are so fiercely independant that it scares males,well I don't put up with those who want to have meal ticket or cheap place to live or just want to bonk you stupid\n\nI found that going out to certain places where similar ppl congregate  has been easier and you don't get those hangers on.\n\nWe all have our needs ,but again at what cost,seems the longer you leave it, all you seem to get is guys with baggage this I'm sure like you is not on....\nSadly I see this trend  not getting any better but the partner I now have is similar thinking and circumstances.. \n\nStrangely tho I still will not live with him, cos I worked damn hard for my lot and will not give it up easily until I know it is what I truly want..\nGood Luck in the never ending search sweetie..♥
674918
I've never had to do anything like what you're doing, but if I did, I'd start by contacting all the senior citizen centers/organizations, hospital auxiliaries, banks, garden clubs, business and professional groups, as well as area churches. Many of these organize tours or "caravans" for their members. Ask to be put in contact with the persons responsible for this.
280832
hello.  humans are social creatures.  its normal to feel left out sometimes.  youve been selected out of many to contemplate this dilema, so try to figure out why your sad.  go do something that sounds fun......a walk in the woods with your dog?  build a tent out of chairs, make your self a picnic, and put a cd on the computer while selecting a "fireplace" visualization for the screen saver.  ever try paintball?  its very fun, and you sweat alot.  it also is a great aggression releaser.  and as your improving your game you can do all the tips and tricks.....like learning the proper way to stretch......30 second hold with a feeling of pull.....but not to the point of pain.  lots of filtered water, cut out the soda's-they slow down your mind and body.  caffine jives you a jump, but you come down after a little while.  a clean water fix can last all day if you dont overload on sugar.  you could even start your own bracelet company, make a bunch and go to the mall and pander your bracelets for 2$ a piece.  you could take orders for "custom" colors and styles.  i just read today in Wired magazine that this one kid makes customs video game controllers for $500.00 a piece.  he uses arcade buttons and sticks, and puts graphics on the and non-slip base pads.  your mind has the potential to make anything into anything with an application of creativity.  have fun, and enjoy learning who you are instead of the herd mentality.
138324
If I were you...i would plan on taking some friends and renting a house... there really isnt that much going on...its a GREAT place... very remote...there are a few little places..but you'd have just as much fun...cooking out and having a few brew ha ha's at home!
100637
Those kind of friends are hard to come by. It isn't like a family member or a real close friend that knew you when you first went into the chair. They don't want something that is going to drag them down because they can't cope with it. I am not trying to hurt your feeling with my answer. I am in a wheel chair and I know how people stare when I am out in public. You can almost hear the remarks from people who don't understand.
301971
you're not dead yet!!!!get out there an meet people, who doesn't need someone to talk to, go out for coffee or even a drink, you're human, that's why God put us on this earth, not to sit around an be lonely, have a good time while you can, you'll be dead a long,long time, i'm 65 an still like to talk to people an go out for coffee,adrink or a meal.god bless you an good luck to you,  have fun.
45433
Being a loner is just an extension of your inner personality.  It's all a matter of preference (although friends are never a bad thing to have) and should be taken as thus.
336089
A very good friend of mine is in a wheelchair so I can speak from first hand knowledge.\nAs far as social life, the only accomidation is that normally we have to use her van, because of the wheelchair lift.  We can still go out to dinner, movies and most "date" venues.  Outdoor activities are more of a challenge but even most outdoor concerts and things are wheelchair accessible.\nOf course, dancing is out but I'm no good at that anyway and we can still go for the music.\nIntimacy can be a problem but nothing that cant be worked out usually.  Obviously it depends on the individual and the limits of their condition.\nAs far as smoother, especially with older cities and buildings, it never hurts to call ahead and make sure the restaurant/theater whatever is handicapped accessible.  If the wheelchair person uses a catheter, make sure it is emptyed before u leave for the evening.  Also due to circulation wheelchair people may feel colder than u do so always wise to have a blanket available for legs.  For electric wheelchairs always make sure chair is fully charged.  A cell phone is nice in case van breaks down you dont need to leave them along while you walk to get help.\nAs with any other person, they just want to feel normal.  While it is Ok to offer assistance, sometimes best to wait until they ask.\nBest of luck.  Love is where you find it.