Did you know that I am a super woman? If you look closely you can see the S on my chest. I am a super woman complete with my very own super power. You’ll never guess what it is. Nope, I cannot fly. Nope, I do not have super human strength. Nope, I cannot bend steal or stop a moving train. Are you ready? I can be invisible!!!!! I know it sounds crazy. But I was invisible just the other day. Or wait, maybe I just felt that way. Eventually I was seen but I had to work for it.
This weekend I went to see The Perfect Guy. (Good movie!) I had planned to go with a friend but she ended up seeing it the weekend it first came out while I was out of town learning how to build my own empire at Blogalicious. I reached out to a few other girlfriends to no avail. So, instead of waiting for another weekend I decided to go solo. I guess I’m doing a lot of things on my own lately.
I decided to go to one of the theaters where they serve not only popcorn and snacks but actual dinner and drinks during the movie. I’d been to this movie theater many times before and it is always fun. The only difference between this time and the other times is I was by myself and that my superpower was in full effect. It was like I was invisible!
The person at the entrance to my theater did say hello. However no one took my movie ticket or gave me a menu at the ticket stand. They did not see me at all despite me walking right by them. The waitress did come over to me once I was seated. She asked if I was by myself and tried to make some small talk after I said that I was. But then I became invisible to her too. I ordered food but it never came. There was a group of about 6 women on my right who all ordered after me but all got there food before me. During this time the waitress even checked on the couple to the left of me. Now all of this is happening during the movies so I didn’t want to yell excuse me for the waitress. Having never had an issue here before I tried to wait patiently. However, when the woman who ordered the same thing as me after me, pizza, got her food I had to say something. I asked the bus person to check on my food. Then I waited some more. Finally my waitress came over and apologized saying the kitchen never prepared my food. I guess my order was also invisible.
Finally my food came, I ate and the bill arrived. Since my order was only about $16 I decided to pay cash. I put in a $20. Then I must have become invisible again because the waitress never came back with my change. She came to collect the bill of the women beside me but still never returned my change. My intention was to leave her the change as her tip but it is not acceptable for her to decide to keep my change as her tip. With my patience running out, I pushed the little light to request the waitress. She was surprised that I was calling her over. When I requested my change she brought it over right away. I did leave her about half the tip I originally planned.
Never have I had an experience like this at this theater before. I can only assume that the poor service was due to me being there alone. Because there was not multiple people in my party I was forgotten about and not even noticed by the staff. Going out alone even to a movie is not easy for some people. They worry that others will think of them negatively for being alone. Fear not. They won’t even see you. SMH
Part of Chasing Joy is building positive relationships and doing fun things like going to the movies with your friends. Another part of Chasing Joy is being comfortable doing things on your own and enjoying your own company. It’s not easy and often things may not turn out how you want. You may even feel invisible. But at the end of the day you will feel proud of yourself and just a bit more confident because there was something you wanted to do and you did it. I’m glad I went to the movie. I’m even glad I went alone. Despite the bad service It reminded me that I don’t need to wait on others to pursue what I want.
Have you ever gone to a movie by yourself? Did you feel invisible?
P.S. The waitress did give me two free movie passes because of the mix up with the kitchen.
Mimicutelips says
I've not been to the movies alone but it is on my bucket list of things to do.
Jonna, Naturally Glam LLC says
I've had the exact opposite experience when I've gone out alone. I actually wanted to be left alone, of course after my food comes. But the waitress seemed to check on me to the point of nauseam since I was alone. I guess they felt bad for me. But clearly you see me glued to a laptop – stop asking me if I need anything! LOL & SMH
YaYa R says
Wow u had a bad experience. I've gone to the movies a lot by myself and just started going to dinner by myself but people always speak (even when I don't want them to). I guess they feel sorry for me or something. But I say keep doing it. Things will get better but it is hard to get someone'special attention in a dark theater
Tyra says
I am sorry you experienced this. It sounds like this lady blocked her own blessing. Kudos for going to the movies alone. It makes me nervous… I can travel alone but not go to a show LOL.
Candy says
I've never been to a movie alone. I need someone to talk to (i know I am not supposed to talk in the movies but you know you what I mean.) I'm sorry she made you feel invisible.
Tanay @ Life with Tanay says
I hate poor customer service ?. I'm sorry you had a bad experience! I want to try one of those theatres.
Joanna Niles says
that movie theatre sounds pretty cool. Sorry about your experience. That's so rude. Being someone that has worked in customer service, it annoys me when people give poor service. I've gone to the movies by myself and really enjoyed it.
Amber says
I hate hearing this! I've worked in customer service most of my life and it really isn't that hard to be nice to people! So sorry about your experience!
Christine St Vil says
Oh my! That is not cool at all. I used to be a server and work in very customer service oriented jobs, so I can't stand to have poor customer service when I'm out. And her deciding she was going to keep your change? Um…no ma'am!
Unapologetically Us Valerie says
That sounds like just bad customer service – how rude! But kudos to you for enjoying your own company…I love enjoying a movie by myself. Sorry your experience was frustrating.
Rachee says
What an awful experience! I love doing things alone including checking out movies. I agree with Kiwi; being along didn't make you invisible; ill properly trained staff are at fault.
Kiwi says
Wow interesting perspective. I actually ironically went to see The Perfect Guy by myself too last week and I loved it. Now I dont think you were invisible nor did they give you that crappy service because you were alone. I think it was just a crappy place and I wouldn't of paid full price for my food since they "forgot" to make it. Hmmm anyways dont think you are invisible just go to another theater that will give you better service whether you are alone or with people it shouldnt matter.
Maddi'sMommy says
What a crappy experience! The nerve of some people.
Erica D says
What a story! What a night! Good customer service has really become a lost art!
mail4rosey says
Good for you for calling the waitress back over. Bet you weren't invisible when you left her half the tip (and good for you for doing that too). 😉 Sorry you had a bad experience. I say go back again and see if it's better. That'll erase this day, and if it isn't find somewhere to go where you're seen and welcomed with open arms. 🙂
Theresa Mahoney says
That would have been so aggravating to be ignored like that. I'm glad you got your free passes, but jeez! I'd rather have better service!
Kristi says
I go to movies off and on alone… partly because I usually pick odd movies that are not mainstream… I like documentary types and usually go spur of the moment so hard to plan with others. I don't mind but I have never been to a theater where there is a meal… I would not have been as nice as you were though lol
B. L. Davis says
Wow what a horrible experience! I too find this whole going to movies by myself thing to be a little anxiety provoking. Shame that they added a layer of poor service. I hope that this does not discourage you to continue stretching yourself!
Felicia Carter says
OH wow! That really is poor service. There have definitely been times that I have felt invisible. It is such a terrible place to be. I'm glad you at least got tickets!
Boulder Locavore says
I was just thinking about the first time I went to a movie solo. It was right after college. It felt super odd but not anymore. I love going with friends and family but have no reservations about going on my own during the day. Feels like playing hooky!
Valerie says
Wow! That is horrible that you were treated badly at the theater. Why would she do that?!?
Kasi says
That's so crazy! I can not stand bad service like that. I haven't been to the movies by myself yet, but I'm sure I will one day. At least you were able to do it, like you said!
Liz Mays says
Wow that's seriously bad service. You'd expect more from a theater that serves dinner and drinks.
Six Time Mommy TEST says
Oh my. What a horrible time and way to be treated. That is just ridiculous. This makes me so sad. I haven't ever gone to the movies by myself, I'd love to though…. I don't remember the last time I did anything "by myself" – Jeanine
Cat says
Wow, what a terrible way to be treated. You should have gotten your food for free and the movie passes. I don't think I have gone to a movie alone. Catherine S
Kelly Hutchinson says
What a terrible series of unfortunate occurances you had to endure. I would have asked to see the manager.
Christie C says
I'm so sad that you were treated that way during a fun night out. I haven't been to the movies by myself in awhile, but definitely want to
Katy Ipock says
First off, horrible service! I have gone to a movie by myself. It was an empowering moment for me, when I realized I could enjoy my own company. I was between relationships at the time, and I was tired of feeling like I had to wait for someone take me out to go do things.
Pam says
Wow, how rude of everyone. I have been many places alone and never been treated like that. Ridiculous.
Melissa Pezza says
Wow. I've never had such an experience! I can't even begin to imagine what they were thinking. That's a sure fire way to put a cloud on the night.
Masshole Mommy says
What a shame that you were treated so poorly at the theater. I would absolutely call the manager to complain.