I discovered something years ago that I genuinely think has made life better, and it still surprises me that more people don't do it.

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I learned how to enjoy going to the pub on my own.

Not because I had to. Not because I'd fallen out with my mates or suddenly become some mysterious bloke who sits in the corner nursing the same pint for four hours. I just wandered into my local one afternoon with a book, ordered a pint and realised that once you get over the completely irrational fear that everyone is staring at you, it is one of the most relaxing places in the world to spend an hour or two.

Honestly, it's like a superpower. Somewhere along the line we've convinced ourselves that doing anything on your own is a sign that something has gone wrong.

Sitting in a pub alone? Bit odd. Going to the cinema on your own? Must have been stood up. Eating in a restaurant without company? Someone should probably check you're alright.

Yet those same people will happily spend half a day's annual leave sitting in a coffee shop on their own with a laptop open, nursing a flat white that cost more than a decent pint, pretending to write the next bestselling novel while actually scrolling Instagram.

Over the last couple of weeks I've spent more time than usual in pubs, some for one pint, others where the exact number is best left between me and the barman (they sign some kind of confidentiality notice I am sure), and I've seen something that makes me ridiculously happy.

More and more people are doing the same thing. They're walking in on their own with a book tucked under........

© LBC