Party of One
by Tori Lewis
A familiar team anthem is met with cheers as it pours through the speakers, transforming patrons into a choir as we prepare for kickoff. It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon as I sit near the bar in my favorite team colors—no date, no prospects, no ring on my finger—and yet, I can’t help but smile.
This cozy little spot has become a favorite of mine since I began navigating the social scene as a party of one, and there are many singles in the area who share the sentiment. Groups of friends—unmarried, unattached—huddle together over buckets of cold ones, anticipating the football team’s next play. Some sit alone, making small talk with those nearby, no less a part of the gang as they enjoy a plate of wings or a hearty dish of pot roast on their own. Both are experiences that I, a newly single woman in her thirties, highly recommend—particularly the latter.
In the last decade, the stigma of dating oneself has faded dramatically. According to a recent study done by OpenTable, Millennials and Gen Zs are quite comfortable dining alone, with over 65% stating they intend to pursue the activity even more in the coming year. Lucky for us, locally owned restaurants abound in Lexington County, affording singles the opportunity to embrace this movement while treating themselves to a wide variety of cuisines—an activity shown to build confidence and promote a healthy level of independence. Those are two things I’ve noticed a boost in since I decided to put myself out there and enjoy the town on my own, and such experiences aren’t limited to the dining room.
Sometimes, a dark room with stadium seating and a giant screen is in order. Similar to dining alone, solo trips to the cinema have seen an uptick in popularity over the last ten years; and it’s an activity I’ve embraced with great enthusiasm, striving to catch one or two new releases every month. There is a certain solace to be found when the lights dim and the only thing requesting my attention is the action on the screen, and I’ve discovered I’m far more engaged and entertained when my only companions are a bucket of popcorn and an oversized soft drink.
Of course, Hollywood can’t be expected to knock it out of the park every time; so, when the box-office is lackluster and the viewing options are less than appealing, I turn to another, local source of entertainment: the world of live theater. With community theaters on both sides of the dam, there’s always a show to catch. Checking the local season schedules online has become a habit of mine, and I make a point to stay informed about upcoming performances. The current seasons are littered with shows like Annie, Jr. and Murder on the Orient Express, with some theaters offering the excitement of live concerts.
From Lexington to Irmo, Ballentine to Chapin, there are an endless array of activities perfect for singles. As a lover of all things vintage and nostalgic, I’m known to spend my weekends treasure hunting at one of the many antique shops and thrift stores peppered throughout the area. Some days, I feel the draw of nature and take a leisurely stroll through the public parks, which are just as beautiful and welcoming in the height of winter. Both are simple, relaxed activities to do alone or with friends, and friends are an invaluable resource for the newly single.
When I initially found myself flying solo after years of being someone’s other half, it was much easier to travel in a pack. Escape rooms, axe throwing, bowling, group painting classes, and gamedays at the pub became regular additions to our schedules, and they helped usher me into the next phase of my life—a phase where I embrace my new status and view everything this county has to offer in a different light, happily on my own.
