Would a teen going to a movie alone be weird?

[LisaR]

DS asked me to drop him off at a movie today......alone. He wanted to see a movie and couldn't find anyone to go so he wanted to go alone. He was totally fine with it and thought I was strange for thinking it was weird. I couldn't come up with a valid reason for my thoughts.

It ended up working out. I suggested he contact a kid that he hasn't been able to hook up with much this summer. He was available and they are at the movie now!

The only thing I could think was that maybe I was subconsciously worried about him running into someone he knew and when they found out he was alone, they would think he was weird. I'm just guessing, though. I really don't know. It isn't his age or a safety issue.

I asked DH and his only comment was if anyone could be totally comfortable going to a movie alone as a teen, it would be our son.

So would it be a weird thing for a teenager to do or is it just a weird hangup of mine?

 

[Disneefun]

I used to do it all the time. I was into more artsy/foreign type films in high school and none of my friends ever wanted to go. It never bothered me or anyone else and I've grown up well adjusted.

I'd much rather see a kid that can be independent and make his own decisions than one that misses out on things he/she really wants to do because they can't go alone or are afraid that their peer group won't approve. I think it's the mark of a strong person who know what they want to do, goes and does it, and who isn't as likely to be led around by others. Kudos to your DS!

 

[thruthelookinglass19]

I don't have kids. . . but, I can say as a teenager, I wouldn't have gone to the movies by myself. For exactly the reason you list. But, as an adult, I go all the time! If I can't find someone to go with, I figure why not? I wish when I was a teenager, that I didn't care like your son. I think it's pretty awesome that he's that self aware that he doesn't worry whether he bumps into someone and they think it's odd. I mean, you're at a movie. It's not really a social situation anyways

 

[shoney]

Nope, not weird at all. sounds like a confident, independent guy!

 

[BillSears]

I think it would be fine for him to go alone. But as an adult I go to the movies alone all of the time.

Not everyone "needs" constant company. Some of us introverts prefer some alone time.

 

[sissy_ib]

Why would it be weird? It's not like he's going to be taking to his friend during the movie. When you think about it going to the movies is pretty much a solo activity even if you go with 10 other people.

 

[Lynne M]

Not at all. I've gone to movies alone, if I really want to see something and my friends aren't available when I am.

 

[Stitchfans]

Nope, not weird at all. sounds like a confident, independent guy!

My thoughts also. I don't see why it would be weird? So he goes to see a movie that no one else is interested in seeing. He has his interest, others have theirs. Who's to say what is weird?

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

Nope not weird at all. Some alone time is good. I also don't think that any kids he may or may not run into would find it weird either. Teenagers these days seem to be OK with going it alone now and then. I hope your son had a great afternoon at the movies.

 

[LisaR]

Thanks everyone! I was pretty sure it was my hang-up but wanted to make sure. If it comes up again, I will make sure to check my opinion at the door. He is definitely an independent person and doesn't need to be surrounded by people all the time. I think I fear him getting the "loner" label.

 

[NMAmy]

Nope, not weird at all. Good for him as a teenager to have enough confidence to do it. I go to the movies alone pretty often. It's the only time I get to choose the movie.

 

[WDWAurora]

Two questions. Is he an only child? Are you an only child? I ask because yesterday my dad and I were talking about his upcoming trip to NYC with a group of people his age (60s). I was talking about things he could do in lieu of things the group was doing that he wouldn't really care for. He said he'd just stay with the group because he wasn't like me. He's got an older brother, but I'm an only. I'm very outgoing and social, but I have no fear or intimidation when it comes to doing anything on my own. I've grown up (I turn 30 in a week) alone, and, even though I'm married now with a 2 year old (and his younger brother will be born on Monday unless I go into labor sooner), I often prefer to do things on my own, my way.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

No, I think it's pretty cool that he would be willing to go by himself. Most people "need" someone to go with them almost everywhere they go, especially in the teen years. I would think that independence at that age is a good thing.

 

[luvmy3]

I don't think its weird at all but I think in the wake of the recent tragedy you will find people that may look at him suspiciously.

 

[ArielsVoice]

I wouldn't consider that to be weird at all. I used to go to the movies by myself quite a bit as a teenager. Quite frankly going with my friends during that time in my life was more of a headache than it was enjoyable (they were talkers!). Plus, it also gave me a great sense of confidence and independence

 

[Bob NC]

So would it be a weird thing for a teenager to do or is it just a weird hangup of mine?

I would think it was more 'weird' if he couldn't go to a movie alone.

 

[shortbun]

My son's friend was getting dropped off and his Mom finally sent in a spy. He was meeting a group of girls and sitting with one particular girl. Not saying your son is doing that but it's possible. How old is he?

 

[Shyvioletisme]

I went all the time by myself as a teen. My friends didn't always have the same taste in films that I did, so I had no issues just going by myself.

 

[babyrich]

DS asked me to drop him off at a movie today......alone. He wanted to see a movie and couldn't find anyone to go so he wanted to go alone. He was totally fine with it and thought I was strange for thinking it was weird. I couldn't come up with a valid reason for my thoughts.

It ended up working out. I suggested he contact a kid that he hasn't been able to hook up with much this summer. He was available and they are at the movie now!

The only thing I could think was that maybe I was subconsciously worried about him running into someone he knew and when they found out he was alone, they would think he was weird. I'm just guessing, though. I really don't know. It isn't his age or a safety issue.

I asked DH and his only comment was if anyone could be totally comfortable going to a movie alone as a teen, it would be our son.

So would it be a weird thing for a teenager to do or is it just a weird hangup of mine?

I have as a teen and continue to go to the movies by myself. Sometime I cant find anyone to go for whatever reasons, so I go alone. You can talk to the people you are with so who cares if you are with anyone? I get my soda and popcorn and enjoy. I've been to midnight shows by myself and matinees.

I dont think I'm weird.....

 

[metalis4ever]

I went all the time by myself as a teen. My friends didn't always have the same taste in films that I did, so I had no issues just going by myself.

Same here....even as an adult I still go to the movies by myself if my DW or friends aren't interested in seeing a particular movie.