My Solo Picnic Tweet Went Viral. Here are 4 Important Topics Raised.
Fun activities for me are usually intimate, quiet, and slow. Put picnics at the top of that list because what is not to love about nature, sitting, and food?
Over the years I have gone on so many picnics alone, with friends, and with family. But I must confess, nothing beats solo picnics. This might be because I have great introverted tendencies, love quiet spaces, and thrive in my own company.
However, the truth is that I never used to be a person who was comfortable being by myself. It was a habit I grew into after I realized it improved my mental well-being and enhanced my creativity. I was able to reflect more on who I was and found independence in myself.
Six months ago, I was very busy with work, and I found myself exhausted and in a rut. So I scheduled time for a picnic on a Saturday afternoon after my volunteering engagements at a local non-profit.
I went to the park, found a quiet spot under a tree, and spent 5 hours there snacking, reading, and reflecting.
Because it was a relatively small town, the park was almost empty. I was mostly alone except for one instance where a group of men came into the park, and one of them came to ask me “If I needed company.” He continuously asked me for my phone number until I became irritated and snapped. My response sent him on his way, and I enjoyed the rest of my picnic. This encounter isn’t strange and is often one of the reasons many women hesitate with solo picnics.
When the sun was setting, it looked so pretty, so I took a couple of photos and went home. I posted some of these photos on Twitter the next day, and the tweet went viral.
Here are four important topics raised concerning solo picnicking.
1. Safety concerns
Concerns like these are commonplace in many parts of the world. Feeling safe enough to picnic alone at a park and other places that could be solitary is a privilege, especially as a woman.
I won’t pretend that I am not extra cautious when the park is emptier, even though there is security, and my town is quite safe.
Going to public and less isolated parks and talking to local authorities about safety concerns to see if they can ensure security and improve on it if it already exists is a way to help with this issue. You can also try having solo picnics with friends at the same time.
2. Hate leaving the house
I have moments when I want to picnic but not leave my house. So I do it in my backyard.
Find a quiet space around you that could be a balcony, a backyard, or a pool. You can enjoy this activity in your comfort zone.
3. Not solo
Although this is not the case for everyone, if you feel solo picnics are not your thing could it be that you think you would feel or look depressed or lonely? (I’ve received such comments). I recommend reading How to be alone by Lane Moore. It explores a lot about this topic.
Give solo picnics a try and follow the best practices. Explore going on one at the same time with a friend who you can talk to when you feel the need to interact between moments. If you still do not like it for any other reason, that is fine.
4. What to take
- To ensure you are not wasteful, it is important to have the right things to eat depending on how long you have scheduled to picnic. I usually schedule at least 3 to 6 hours, so I always have two drinks(water included), a simple snack like cookies, chips, or crackers(for shorter hours), a sandwich, pastry, or salad (for longer hours), and some filling fruits like apples, pears, or bananas. Don’t forget to dispose of trash properly.
- Blankets help with comfort (The thicker the better) and keep you warm on colder days.
- Wear insect repellents. I have tried using citrus peels around me, but that did not work. There aren’t always insects when I picnic, even at the exact location. But better to be prepared, insect-repellent sprays, creams, and lotions work best.
- Plan for fun solo activities.Whether it is reading a book, finishing puzzles, painting, listening to music, or even seeing a movie. The goal is to enjoy some alone time in nature doing things you like.
- Thick skin and adequate responses for people who might approach you and ask you the most intrusive, weird, and often offensive questions.
- If you have safety concerns, consider taking some self-defense tools like a pepper spray, or taser
In Conclusion
Solo picnics are great and have amazing benefits. However, the reality of enjoying and participating in this activity goes beyond what to take, wear, the pretty locations, and the lovely photographs online.
It can be emotionally challenging for many, and a political issue of safety especially for women.
