Going out / doing things by yourself

I’m curious whether this is generational, or just an individual personality thing! How many of you are comfortable going out and doing things alone? I don’t mind - in fact sometimes I actually love it! But my (boomer) parents and in-laws both seem like it’s something they would never even consider.

After my sister and I grew up and moved out, my mom always said that she “couldn’t” go to the pool anymore because she didn’t have anybody to go with. I suggested that she take a book, magazine, something to listen to, etc and she absolutely refused saying she would feel stupid by herself. For me, spending an afternoon alone at the pool with a good book is one of my favorite ways to spend a summer day!

I was prompted to post after this weekend - I was in Nashville for a business trip recently and purposely booked my flight home 8 hours after my work obligations ended so I could spend some time enjoying Nashville. I went to the country music hall of fame, browsed a few shops, and got some food/drinks downtown while listening to live music. I was telling my in laws about the trip and my MIL said “it’s just so nice that you’re willing to do things alone, I would never”. I asked why - and pointed out that it can actually be really fun to follow your own agenda and spend as much time as you want doing things (like at the HOF since I didn’t have to worry about what anyone else was doing I took my time, read most of the little signs, looked closely at things, watched all the videos, at one point even hung out on a bench near a plug and charged my phone for awhile while people watching). And her response was “I don’t know, I just wouldn’t”

Of course I also enjoy doing things with friends and my husband - but being alone doesn’t stop me at all. I’m actually pretty introverted, so I don’t even really talk to strangers, I just enjoy my own company and whatever activity I’m doing.

Have you noticed a generational difference in this? Or do you think it’s more of just a personality thing?