Finding Comfort in the Crowd
Standing in the back of the pit, I asked myself why I was so worried about being alone. I didn’t come to a venue to waste my night worrying about how singular I looked, I came to see Lostboycrow.
As if to pay homage to the song about a deep ocean Pantone, I found myself feeling alone in a room full of people – again.
If you were to ask me a month ago, I would have vehemently rejected even the remote idea of attending a concert alone. Why would I ever do that when I can find someone to go with me?
Nevermind how I got there, but this was the third time I had found myself at a show alone. I was no longer willing to let it feel foreign. Now, I find a firm stance behind the belief that being your own +1 might even evoke a sense of liberation. People change, right?
The conscious decision to immerse myself in the sound of the show is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. Allowing myself to find home in the songs I knew top to bottom was a rewarding experience.
Personally, I’ve never felt lonely by the time the encore came around. Whether it be a new friend on Twitter or a short discussion about the band, that crowded room is sure to have at least a few people looking to mingle.
Once I opened my eyes and gave myself permission to explore music on my own, I laid out a path of excitement. Call me eager, but I’ve already planned my next show. And no, I’m not going with anyone.
As for my advice: given the opportunity to go to a show with a friend, always say yes. But, if you’re considering going to a show and you can’t find a concert-buddy: try going solo.
Like I did, you may find that the total lack of secondary stimuli leaves you connecting deeper with the show, offering you an experience that you wouldn’t trade for a dime.
