FabSwingers.com forum: Table for one

By *_2025_uni OP Woman
2 weeks ago

cambridgeshire

I’m recently single and have decided to start doing things solo such as cinema or dinner out, etc. I’ve never done it before and it’s daunting, but getting to this stage in life, why should single people only enjoy these things when there is someone else to do it with?!

Do you take yourself out for dinner and is it awkward? I plan to take a book or people watch…

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By *elix SightedMan
2 weeks ago

Cloud 8

Cue the dozens of gallant offers to accompany you in this arduous life journey

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By *urves and MischiefWoman
2 weeks ago

Northerner/Sometimes South East

I do this … cinema, museums, a meal. I’ve taken a book and enjoyed the silence to engross myself in it or people watched. I have flower Friday where I buy myself a nice bunch for the weekend and I really want to do a solo holiday.

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By *meliaeWoman
2 weeks ago

Chester

I do and I enjoy it, although I admittedly prefer it when I’m travelling and there’s less chance of bumping into people I know

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By *_2025_uni OP Woman
2 weeks ago

cambridgeshire

It’s ok, I don’t want them 😂😂

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By *iGuy197747Man
2 weeks ago

Stamford

[Removed by poster at 08/02/25 10:05:48]

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By *riar BelisseWoman
2 weeks ago

On Holibobs

I do this, however...unfortunately people can assume that you want company and impose themselves on you, I know they mean well, but its a tad annoying having to protest that you actually like and are content in your own company.

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By *iGuy197747Man
2 weeks ago

Stamford

[Removed by poster at 08/02/25 10:06:10]

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By *r CuddleMan
2 weeks ago

Oxford

I seem to spend my life alone. I guess I must be a really sad person.

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By *ornycougaWoman
2 weeks ago

MADERIA Wherever I lay my hat

Yeah I do it regularly now. Took me ages to be comfortable with going to a restaurant alone (cinema, pub, cafe wasn't a problem). I always make sure i have something to read but often just end up people watching. If you ever feel lonely or awkward - just look at the couples sitting in silence because they have run out of conversation and take comfort in knowing you aren't in that position!

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By *ove2pleaseseukMan
2 weeks ago

Hastings

Use to work away a lot so had to go out and eat solo. Its hard to start with but you do get use to it.

Have never done single holiday and this can be quite expensive with room supplements but if you want sun go for it when I am away have seen meny single manly females in the sun.

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By *iGuy197747Man
2 weeks ago

Stamford

I do this quite regularly now. I tend to save up and go somewhere really nice and then they're usually very attentive to a single diner. I take a book to read between courses as a bit of a safety net and really enjoy myself.

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By *otxbun65Man
2 weeks ago

Folkestone

Yeah, what they all said. Take a book and a bucket load of bravado and you'll be fine! x

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By *ollyPocket75Woman
2 weeks ago

Aberdeen

I do yes, at first I felt awkward, like people felt sorry for me and stared but now I'm not bothered. I do it all the time now, quite a few people go alone. It's a good confidence booster, plus I like my own company. I dress up for myself and look good for myself it's great, a little date for one

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By *eltCuteMightDeleteWoman
2 weeks ago

Reading

I love going to the cinema alone! And I’ve recently started going to the theatre alone. Eating in restaurants alone felt harder to me but I love choosing places I haven’t been to because of other people’s preference!

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By *ife NinjaMan
2 weeks ago

Dunfermline

Going for food is easy. Pictures and theatre felt more awkward. You get use to it

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By *oeBeansMan
2 weeks ago

Derby

If I'm in the situation where I'm on my own, I'll go out for breakfast or a coffee with a book and just people watch. Going for dinner or the cinema or holiday all feel like social activities and I don't know how to prevent the FOMO of seeing other people together.

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By *all me FlikWoman
2 weeks ago

Galaxy Far Far Away

I work away a lot so am often eating in a restaurant alone.

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By *adyA_MrKCouple
2 weeks ago

Derby

Often work away so quite often in a restaurant for a table for one. Soon get use to it , normally spend most of the time people watching or listening to a podcast on my phone.

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By *dam1971Man
2 weeks ago

Bedford

It’s nice to go for a coffee alone sometimes, I take a book or occasionally do some writing there.

It doesn’t always stop me feeling self conscious, but it’s good to put on your brave pants and do it anyway.

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By *upersonic SamMan
2 weeks ago

wigan

I tend not to bother, it feels strange so I'll order food in. That said I do plan on a walk into town for lunch today, I would brave an evening meal though x

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By *oughmanMan
2 weeks ago

Sunderland

I see nothing wrong with any of that. Sometimes it's nice just to enjoy your own company.

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By *ynamicnatureMan
2 weeks ago

Doncaster

I don't mind doing any of the above mentioned activities on my own at all.

I often find myself striking up conversations with people sitting next to me and I actually find that quite exciting.

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By *obin444Man
2 weeks ago

Windsor

Once you realise that people around you don’t care that you are on your own, you’ll become much less self conscious.

Go out and enjoy yourself.

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By *eavenscentitCouple
2 weeks ago

barnstaple

Like others have said, when holidaying alone abroad, I take a book or my kindle to restaurants. I do it to deter others from chatting to me. In this country I usually have the dog if I'm alone. I've done the cinema alone and theatre. I'm comfortable alone 9n the whole. Ms

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By *oodmessMan
2 weeks ago

yumsville

I either don't have the confidence or cringe at the thought of going to a restaurant by myself. I've taken solo holidays where eating alone isn't an issue as people do it a lot more abroad, but even having a brew, there'd have to have very comfy seats for me to relax so it's not something I do.

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By *r TriomanMan
2 weeks ago

Chippenham Malmesbury area

I work away from home a lot, which means staying in hotels and eating out by myself; I love asking for a table for one; it's my table that I don't have to share, it's my time to be alone and to do with as I please, it's time to be a bit selfish; no ordering food to to align with someone else, "I don't really want chips but if you get some I can have some of yours" or "I can't eat a whole dessert so you can share it with me even though I know you don't want one". I don't take a book but, like you OP, I do love to people watch.

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By *h3rry Bomb80Man
2 weeks ago

the moon

I’ve done it … pulled and got my coat 🧥 …… 😉

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By *opeyXWoman
2 weeks ago

Dundee

I love doing things on my own! Took myself to see Baby Girl at the cinema last night, got the comfy seats, my snacks and wine. Was ace. Highly recommend. Not the film though I'd give that a 6/10.

I did day trips last summer solo and love people watching at a coffee shop especially outdoors in the summer.

Hoping to get away abroad this year by myself for the first time! I've only ever did Scotland stays by myself.

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By *oriatyMan
2 weeks ago

Shanklin

I take myself out to lunch. Breaks up the day if I'm not at work. Going out to a nice farm shop for lunch in a while. Bring a book

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By *ell GwynnWoman
2 weeks ago

North Yorkshire

I've done cinema, museums, hikes, long weekends away, lunch etc alone, but I've not gone out for dinner solo. I'm not sure why, but that one feels more uncomfortable than the others.

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By *hirleyMan
2 weeks ago

somewhere

Depends on the personality you are, if you're someone like me who is quite content in their own company for days to weeks, then you may enjoy it, you make yourself comfortable without others approval and discover the joys of making a choice that is purely selfish. Nothing wrong with looking out for no. 1, it's just when that comes at the expense of anyone else that it becomes toxic

However, I wouldn't make a habit of it and definitely even the most lonerish characters need company

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By *andering_welshman2025Man
2 weeks ago

Kirkby

Welcome to the solo-doing crew haha!!

Cinema, hikes, restaurants, theatre…I’ve done it so long now that it doesn’t feel awkward!

I tend to take a book or Chuck on my headphones and get lost in a solid playlist or a podcast (when applicable of course)….that way people can’t pester me and I can shut off to everyone!!

Enjoy embracing it OP….its nice doing your own thing!! 💪👍

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By *uidedironwayMan
2 weeks ago

Cornwall

"I’m recently single and have decided to start doing things solo such as cinema or dinner out, etc. I’ve never done it before and it’s daunting, but getting to this stage in life, why should single people only enjoy these things when there is someone else to do it with?!

Do you take yourself out for dinner and is it awkward? I plan to take a book or people watch…"

I did a holiday once as a single person I was out on my own and basically did my own thing which was great felt alone at the dinner table though and I have been to a cinema on my own I actually enjoyed it I felt no pressure and enjoyed the movie Would I do it again? yes I would!

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By *ou only live onceMan
2 weeks ago

London

I should do this more. I have weird self-imposed rules. Coffee, cafes, no problem. Happy to go for a beer alone too, if I fancied one.

But I don't like having dinner on my own (have only done it when forced to, like being away with work), and have never been to the cinema alone...which I know is silly given you're just sat there watching a film!

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By *opeyXWoman
2 weeks ago

Dundee

"I should do this more. I have weird self-imposed rules. Coffee, cafes, no problem. Happy to go for a beer alone too, if I fancied one.

I went to the cinema last night there was more people there solo than couples. I think it's normal these days to go do stuff yourself and not wait on friends to do the things you want to do. Embrace the solo dates!

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By *alcon2Man
2 weeks ago

North

Watching a film on your own is actually better..

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By *opeyXWoman
2 weeks ago

Dundee

"Watching a film on your own is actually better.."

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By *eroLondonMan
2 weeks ago

Mayfair

I've only recently started doing this, in small doses. Previously, many moons ago, when having to travel for work/hotels...I would order room service. I was too self conscious to dine alone in the main restaurant or outside. The billy-no-mates syndrome can be quite compelling.

These days I'm fine with venturing into art galleries and gastropubs and just doing things for myself. I suppose there never really was a big deal. Sorry, random musings.

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By *ou only live onceMan
2 weeks ago

London

"I should do this more. I have weird self-imposed rules. Coffee, cafes, no problem. Happy to go for a beer alone too, if I fancied one.

Yeah, I know, I'm old and set in my ways. But I don't feel like I'm missing out - I do a lot, and am really happy in my own company too (well, avec le chien 😂)

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By *ou only live onceMan
2 weeks ago

London

"I've only recently started doing this, in small doses. Previously, many moons ago, when having to travel for work/hotels...I would order room service. I was too self conscious to dine alone in the main restaurant or outside. The billy-no-mates syndrome can be quite compelling.

These days I'm fine with venturing into art galleries and gastropubs and just doing things for myself. I suppose there never really was a big deal. Sorry, random musings. "

Up for man-date any time, my dear chap!

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By *alcon2Man
2 weeks ago

North

Going to a convention ( any subject in the entertainment field) I find is really good fun on your own.

Not like an insurance convention or something...has to be an interesting subject.

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By *opeyXWoman
2 weeks ago

Dundee

"I should do this more. I have weird self-imposed rules. Coffee, cafes, no problem. Happy to go for a beer alone too, if I fancied one.

Yeah, I know, I'm old and set in my ways. But I don't feel like I'm missing out - I do a lot, and am really happy in my own company too (well, avec le chien 😂)"

Old!!! Calm down your 44. Sometimes your own company is the best company!

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By *olden RatioWoman
2 weeks ago

Buckinghamshire

I absolutely LOVE going to the cinema on my own. I tend to take a book with me when I do solo restaurant visits and ask for a table tucked away in a quiet corner. I am very comfortable with my own company.

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By *elshie_69Man
2 weeks ago

Mean streets of Heathrow

I had a nice table in a nice Chinese restaurant near me recently, the place was fairly busy with a few tables pushed together to accommodate big families with kids shouting and screaming and I was in my blissful bubble eating my food and watching the football on TV..bliss

Got a room in 2 weeks through my company at a very plush 5* hotel in London for my birthday for practically peanuts for 2 nights and booked myself into a flotation tank for an afternoon and then just a meal and a few drinks on my tod in the evening.. lovely

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By *eroLondonMan
2 weeks ago

Mayfair

These days I'm fine with venturing into art galleries and gastropubs and just doing things for myself. I suppose there never really was a big deal. Sorry, random musings.

Up for man-date any time, my dear chap!

•

I'm going to bitch-slap you one of these days, YOLO. I've never been so breadcrumbed by a platonic man before.

It's long overdue! 🩶🙂

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By *onkeynutWoman
2 weeks ago

somewhere

When I’m home no I don’t tend to but I travel alone a lot both uk and Europe so if I’m staying away I don’t have a problem doing so on my own.

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By *erkshire8299Man
2 weeks ago

slough

I can remember back in the day , I would but two tickets for everything , then ask around who wants to come with me...that soon became a pain ..so just going solo became a habit . I know it's harder for females to do it...a restaurant could be a bit awkward and daunting , but there are loads of things like gigs, cinema , galleries etc where many singles go to..enjoy.

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By *aughty by nature 76Man
2 weeks ago

Walsall & Reading

I’ve been single almost 5 years now….. i know it sounds selfish but I look out for number one… some days I do feel little lonely but then remember why I’m single….. I’ve travelled on my own…. You make friends as you go along the way …. I like treating myself to nice things….. work hard

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By *arley QuimWoman
2 weeks ago

Somewhere

Nobody is as interested in anyone as they actually think they might be

Going solo is not at all a problem. Nobody else actually gives a toss if you are.

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By *iss KinkWoman
2 weeks ago

North West

I’ve done it all, meals, holidays etc

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By *ildTimes.Man
2 weeks ago

Colchester/London

"I do this … cinema, museums, a meal. I’ve taken a book and enjoyed the silence to engross myself in it or people watched. I have flower Friday where I buy myself a nice bunch for the weekend and I really want to do a solo holiday. "

I can buy myself flowers...Write my name in the sand....

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By *uri00620Woman
2 weeks ago

Croydon

Do you take yourself out for dinner and is it awkward? I plan to take a book or people watch…"

Used to before having a child. Typically when I was on my own on holiday. Take a book. It's good!

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By *ensualtongue2023Man
2 weeks ago

furnace

I’ve always been single never married so

Comfortable with my own company so yes go lots of places myself but do understand it’s harder for a woman

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By *2000ManMan
2 weeks ago

Worthing

I think I'd breakfast on my own but that's it for eating out. Been to gigs on my own.

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By *lynJMan
2 weeks ago

Morden

Do you take yourself out for dinner and is it awkward? I plan to take a book or people watch…"

I've been out for meals solo when I've been travelling on business. I usually I bring a book to read, or play on my phone. I also go to the pub solo since my partner died; it can be fun watching the world go past.

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By *ositiveVibesWoman
2 weeks ago

here there and everywhere

I’ve been single almost 7months now and have taken myself on a solo date to the cinema but that’s about it… I always feel so conscious of going out alone… I have promised myself that I’ll make more time to learn to love going out by myself tho 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

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By *oveandfastWoman
2 weeks ago

Bromsgrove

As someone who’s 100% a single mum, I relish solo me time. The other week I booked a day off work whilst the children were at school, got my nails done and treated myself to my favourite Japanese restaurant. I couldn’t care less about people feeling sorry for me because I felt amazing 😂

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By *utterfly64Woman
2 weeks ago

Raynes Park

It took me a while to go to a real restaurant (with a waiter/waitress rather than queuing up for food) but now love it. Book to read if it’s planned but very happy also just people watching and earwigging their conversations!

Had a solo city break to Brussels a few years ago which was lovely. Must book another!

Not done a lazy beach type holiday as I don’t want to burn

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By *ontWannaMissASwingCouple
2 weeks ago

Bristol

I've not done dinner myself but have had lunches out in restaurants. Usually read a book on my phone. I have also been to cinema and theatre by myself. If I want to see it and I don't know someone else who does then why should I miss out.

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By *unguy410Man
2 weeks ago

Cambridge

The cinema alone is great - no discussion/debate over what to see. Personally I don't ever get snacks at the cinema, but again you don't have any discussion, just get what you want.

I've eaten out alone numerous times and sometimes it feels like you get your food quicker than others as there's at least 50% of a table going to waste and they'd like to get it ready for a couple of larger group.

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By *enaiWoman
2 weeks ago

worcester

The pleasure for me is sharing, so going alone has never had the fun appeal

As for confidence, it's never crossed my mind to be uncomfortable or shy

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By *achelTheAnalSlutTV/TS
2 weeks ago

Haywards Heath

Not so much at the moment, but have done quite a lot of travelling for work, so I'm used to being a table-for-one gal. I usually take my kindle to read.

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By *atnip make me purrWoman
2 weeks ago

Reading

Im having my first solo holiday this year so that will be interesting to find out.

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By *ntrigued888Woman
2 weeks ago

Beds

I could never go to the cinema alone. Don't know what it is, but without fail I always fall asleep. 😴

Ok at the theatre tho

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By *iltsTSgirlTV/TS
7 days ago

Chichester

What i do is take my 1 foot tall otter Oliver with me and plonk him on chair infront of me with a napkin.

Then just crack on

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By *heGateKeeperMan
7 days ago

Stratford

I travel solo a fair bit, either through football, work or socialising and I enjoy nothing more than my own company, good food and good wine ☺️

I have an unlimited cinema card, so think nothing of going to the cinema on my own either.

Embrace it….. it’s empowering 🥰

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By *inLondonMan
7 days ago

London

Absolutely love it. Meals out, cinema, sometimes going for a drink, even holidays - really liberating to just be able to do things for you, on your own terms, rather than having to wait around for a friend or partner to want to do them as well. Aware that it can be different for women, but hopefully that's getting easier as it gets normalised. If you're worried about it feeling depressing, make a bit more of an event of it if you can - sitting in a greasy spoon by yourself probably isn't that much fun; going to a nice coffee shop and spending some time on yourself can be. Also, I'm never that motivated to go for dinner by myself,but I really like going for breakfast somewhere nice on my own.

Final thought: these things change with time and life. When I was younger, I'm sure I saw people drinking alone in the pub and thought 'jesus, that's a bit sad.' Now that I've got a very demanding job where I'm constantly surrounded by people, always on call and fielding messages, the idea of having two hours just to unplug, go to a nice pub and gather my thoughts with a quiet pint is absolute luxury.

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By *uchessdoeWoman
7 days ago

Northampton

I love taking myself out for dinner! The nicer the restaurant, the better. I have had a few looks, from both waiting staff and other diners, but I don't give a fuck: it can feel special to spend quality time with yourself, you deserve that.

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By *porty_and_NaughtyCouple
7 days ago

Swansea

I often eat alone when I'm out and about for work and happily get my laptop out and work for a while. My step daughter gets emotional at the thought of people eating alone so I generally pop a pic on the family chat and get a middle finger emoji in return

Happy walking and running alone and could definitely holiday alone too (on the assumption my wife didn't want/was unable to come with me).

Being comfy in your own skin is important.

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