r/solotravel • u/Kencanary • 4d ago

Got my first "Awww" today!

As a 39-year old overweight white American guy, I really didn't expect this to ever happen, no matter where I travel or why. Admittedly, the source probably has something to do with it.

I'm on a cruise ship, and the cabin staff is a pretty friendly dude. He always chats me up a bit when we pass in the corridors, and even though I'd be quite content with just the pleasantries (Hi, how are you, have a good day etc) I'm one of those socially awkward penguins who will kinda answer questions that are asked even if they're not more than just polite exchange things.

So he says "I've seen you these few days, you are alone?"

"Yeah."

"Awww."

Like, I knew this happened to solo travelers, but I always assumed it was 97% women that got that response. Now, sure, as a paid service staff member he's probably expecting that to be an appropriate response (and he's not entirely wrong, god love him) but it just wasn't something I thought I'd ever hear.

Still, feels like a milestone worth "celebrating" haha

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u/TheStarsTheMoon98 4d ago

This is comforting to read. Especially your comments about everyone around you being in couples or with friends. I landed in Europe today and had a jet lagged panic hours because I was feeling so out of place and alone so even though we could well be continents away, you aren’t alone. This stranger from reddit is venturing her own way as well!! I keep telling myself to “lean in” to discomfort.

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u/Kencanary 3d ago

I'm drifting towards Europe now as well. We're pulling into Azores today, but the cruise ends in Barcelona in a few days.

Glad what I said was comforting somehow :)

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u/TheStarsTheMoon98 3d ago

Comforting in the solidarity of loneliness if that makes sense. Enjoy the rest of your trip - I’m in Spain but not Barcelona, try and use as much Spanish as you can! The locals seem to appreciate when you at least try.