A Quiet List of Very Common Fears
Most of us like to think we’re independent, but certain situations feel instantly harder when no one’s with you. Some of these fears are practical, some are social, and a few are just plain irrational, even when you know better. Still, they’re common enough that you’ll probably recognize more than a couple right away, maybe even deeply resonate with them. So, if you’ve ever wished for a buddy system without wanting to admit it out loud, you’re in familiar company. Here are 20 things we're often all scared to do alone.
1. Going To A Crowded Bar
Walking into a crowded room by yourself can already feel a bit awkward and embarrassing, but in as social a place as a bar, it just feels three times worse when you overthink it. Ordering a drink might feel strangely performative when you don’t have someone to talk to. And even if safety isn't one of your concerns, the whole experience can just be uncomfortable.
2. Getting Gas Late At Night
Even if the area is well-lit, being alone at a gas station after dark can make you more alert than you want to be. Whether it's because of horror stories from the news or the quiet of the night raising your anxiety levels, you'll notice every car that pulls in and every footstep near you. You’ll probably be fine, but it rarely feels relaxing.
Archivio Automobile on Unsplash
3. Watching A Horror Movie
Regardless of how much you enjoy or dislike horror movies, watching them alone feels brave when you hit play, but you'll immediately regret it when the credits roll and the house turns quiet again. Every normal creak suddenly sounds suspicious, and you might leave extra lights on without meaning to.
4. Eating At A Sit-Down Restaurant
Even though you've likely seen plenty of individuals do it before, there's something nerve-wracking about dining alone in public. Our social fears just get the better of us! You might feel exposed when you’re waiting for your meal, and if the service is slow, the awkwardness seems to multiply. Some people love solo dining, but many of us still get self-conscious.
5. Going To A Party Where You Don’t Know Anyone
Showing up to a party without a familiar face in sight can make introductions feel like a high-stakes activity, especially if everyone already knows each other. You're likely sweating over wondering where to stand, which conversations to jump in, and how to leave without being weird about it. The whole thing can feel like social work before it turns into social fun.
6. Walking Through A Dark Parking Lot
Is it just us or are parking lots always poorly lit at night? When you can hardly see your surroundings, it just makes every footstep and sound echo creepily. When you’re alone, your brain starts scanning for risks even if there aren’t any, and finding your car can become stressful if you’re unsure which level you’re on. You’ll often walk faster than usual, just to be done with it.
7. Making A Complaint In Person
It’s one thing to be annoyed, but it’s another to speak up when nobody’s backing you. Even if you know your feelings are justified, you might worry you’ll come off as rude, and if the other person pushes back, it can feel like a one-on-one confrontation. Many people would rather tolerate a small inconvenience than do it alone.
8. Going To A Concert
You can absolutely enjoy live music solo, but the in-between moments can feel lonely. There's just an unspoken feeling that concerts are built to be enjoyed with friends and family. From standing in line to finding your spot and waiting for the show to start, it can make you feel out of place. If everyone around you is chatting with friends, it can highlight that you’re there by yourself.
9. Trying A New Gym
Walking into an unfamiliar gym, especially if you're still relatively new to working out, can feel like you’re stepping into a room where everybody knows what they’re doing. Without a friend, you might worry you’re using equipment wrong or taking up the wrong space. Even asking staff for help can feel like a huge hurdle to cross.
10. Sleeping In A Strange Place
Whether you're in a hotel room while on vacation or staying at a new apartment, sleeping in a new space can feel unsettling when you’re there alone. The unfamiliar sounds might scare you, and you'll worry about your safety, checking locks more than once. Even if it’s perfectly safe, it may not feel that way at midnight.
11. Becoming A Single Parent
Whether you went through a divorce, are deciding to adopt, or had it happen to you by circumstance, being a single parent is a scary thing to face. Everyone knows that raising a child is incredibly tough, and doing it on your own can feel like the world is against you. During these times, if you're feeling especially worried, it's important to build a support network you can rely on, and research as much as you can to reassure yourself.
12. Taking Public Transit Late At Night
When the platform or stop is mostly empty, your awareness ramps up fast. Suddenly, you’re paying attention to anyone and everyone that's nearby, noting where the exits are, and how long until the next stop. If something feels off, the scariest part is you don’t have a companion to confirm your instincts.
Marcellin Steinhaus on Unsplash
13. Going To The Doctor For Serious News
At a time when all you want is comfort, going to the doctor's alone just makes you incredibly anxious. You might be worried you’ll forget details, misunderstand something, or react emotionally in front of a stranger. It’s also harder to make decisions when you’re processing information alone. Having someone with you can make the whole experience feel less heavy.
14. Attending A Wedding Solo
To put it simply, weddings are designed for groups, so when you go solo, it screams to everyone that you're single. If you don’t know many people, you might dread the seating chart, and small talk can get exhausting when you’re doing it for hours. It can be fun and it's definitely a joyous event, but it often takes extra effort to settle in.
15. Calling Customer Service About A Big Mistake
When money or important plans are involved, making complaint calls on your own can feel tense from the start. You might worry you’ll say the wrong thing, lose your temper, or get pressured into accepting a bad solution. What's worse is, if the agent is dismissive, you'll want nothing more than a friendly helping hand even though there's none.
16. Running Errands In A Neighborhood You Don’t Know
For those who love familiarity and comfort, going to a new area can make simple tasks feel complicated (or even scary). And if your phone dies or your directions fail, it suddenly feels all the more stressful. A friend isn’t necessary, but it can make you feel more confident.
17. Traveling To Another Country Alone
Solo travel can be rewarding, but it's important to know it's not for everyone. You'll have to overcome a number of hurdles on your own, like navigating language differences, unfamiliar customs, and unexpected problems without a second opinion. If you get lost or something changes, you’re the only one solving it. The independence is real, but so is the pressure.
18. Going To A Theatre Alone
It sounds simple and common enough, but many people still hesitate, mostly due to our own social anxiety. We get too worried that buying one ticket will make someone judge you, even though they aren’t. Once the movie starts, it’s usually fine, but getting there is the hurdle.
19. Dealing With A Strange Noise In The House
Thanks to all those horror movies you've watched, when you hear a thump, a scrape, or a rattle in the house, suddenly living alone feels like the worst decision ever. Even if you’re sure it’s nothing, your body doesn’t always agree. Checking it alone can feel like a test you didn’t sign up for. You might end up texting someone just to feel less alone in the moment.
20. Having A Hard Conversation With Someone You Love
Serious talks are tough because you can’t predict how they’ll go. When you do it alone, you’re carrying both the emotional weight and the responsibility to stay calm. You might fear you’ll cry, get defensive, or say something you can’t take back. Even when it’s necessary, it can feel like one of the hardest things to face without support.
