Solo Travel: The New Way Or Never A Way?

So, recently, I shocked my parents with something they never expected, even in their wildest dreams- their eldest daughter asking permission for a solo trip. Being the daughter of such social people, they never thought I'd love the company of myself more than anyone else. My sister lovingly calls my father a "Social Butterfly," but she's not wrong. Papa loves having large friend groups going on outings with big groups. he doesn't even go to a movie alone as he believes there's no fun in being alone, and joy comes with friends and people. In 21 years of my existence, I've never seen papa going for a long drive or lunch alone. He needs a group. 

Mamma doesn't have a clear stand on my trip here, she comes into the scene later on ;) So, after all the failed trip planning with my failed friend group in college, I decided to go on a solo trip. I was like Fuck them all, I don't need anyone. I am enough for myself, and I enjoy my company and spending time with myself, so why not take a solo trip? Scared, I asked Papa, prepared to hear a "NO" just like I heard from Mamma, but to my surprise, he didn't say "NO" directly. Wait what? He asked, " Why do you want to go on a solo trip?" I can't tell him that your daughter has no friends, all her friends ditched her, and now traveling solo is the only option she's got. "Please, papa, I'd really love to go." It was such a weak defense that I can't even justify that how hard I try. Later, he added that only depressed people travel alone without any company. "Are you depressed or what?" he questioned my mindset. How the thought of traveling alone even came to my mind? If I get the taste of solo traveling, I'll never be able to get along with anyone or adjust with people cause I'll always feel that I don't need anyone. So, according to Papa, there are only two reasons someone will opt for solo travel: 

1. You are extremely depressed and have given up on people and having fun 

2. You are a maniac, antisocial, and egoistic person who doesn't like company 

That phone call was full of awkward moments, and now my parents think that either I am depressed or a maniac. The first option has a higher chance of winning because of my previous doings. But no, I can also be a maniac in their opinion, again because of my previous doings. Such a good kid I am, even I think I identify as a maniac ;) Contact me to learn how to tarnish your already-gone image in front of your parents. 

I didn't get any permission, and now I know that my mom will stop me from doing this "crazy activity" till she can, even if I am 30.

Well, Well, Well, I have full confidence in myself that this is not going to happen cause I am a smart maniac, or at least I'd like to believe so. Please don't break my bubble.

But this episode got me thinking about the mentality and concerns of my parents or maybe all the parents of their generation. Their concern about safety and security is extremely valid considering we all know how good and safe our country is. But I love being with myself, and lately, I have detached from almost everyone in my life, making my circle extremely small, and I like that. I love going on dinner dates with myself, walking alone with my head full of thoughts, going out and doing chores alone. Cause why not? I am an independent woman, and if I go out alone, it's very peaceful; you don't have to keep up with others; no need to take care of anyone or tolerate someone's bullshit or carry out conversations just for the sake of it, and most importantly there'll be no collective decision making, it'll be just you and what you want. Nothing in between.

Isn't that what we work hard and dream for?

To get the freedom to do what we want. To take our decisions ourselves. In conclusion to be happy. 

I believe spending time with yourself is a must in our hectic life every day. 

Everyone is wired differently and that's the beauty of it, otherwise the world would've been a monotonous place with no debates. And god swear I love those Hindi News Channel debates, that's my constant source of entertainment. I don't want to imagine a world without it.

PS: I'll be having a solo trip one day, and maybe I'll be able to explain my POV to Papa.