The quiet joy of taking yourself out

The story

The first solo café visit can feel oddly ceremonial. Where should you look? Should you bring a book? How long is a reasonable amount of time to sit? The lovely answer is that, within the ordinary courtesy of the place, you get to decide.

Choose a familiar neighbourhood and a small plan. A coffee before a bookshop browse is enough. You do not need to turn an afternoon alone into an ambitious itinerary or a declaration of independence.

Leave a little space

Bring something you would enjoy reading, but allow yourself to put it down. Notice the room, the sound of the cups, the way the light moves across the table. A pleasant hour does not need to become content.

Some days you will want company. Other days you may like the simplicity of following your own pace. Both can belong to a full and connected life.

OUR WRITERSAndrea Hills

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