On a recent Friday evening at Slippery Slope, a bistro bar located on Keong Saik Road, a gathering of Mandopop enthusiasts came together to participate in a themed pub quiz. Among the attendees was Ho Ai Li, a journalist who decided to attend the event alone, reflecting a growing trend of individuals increasingly comfortable engaging in social activities without companions.
Upon arriving 15 minutes after the quiz began, Ho found the venue bustling with groups chatting animatedly around small tables. Despite initial reservations about joining strangers, she chose to remain, invoking the local phrase "lai dou lai le," which roughly translates to "since you’re here, might as well stick it out." This mindset underpinned her decision to embrace the experience despite the inherent awkwardness of attending alone.
Ho was soon invited by a group of four social work undergraduates who went by the name “I don’t want to go to work.” The students, all in their twenties and on attachment to various social organizations, welcomed her into their team. The quiz featured questions on topics such as TikTok trends and Taiwanese pop artists, with participants enthusiastically competing to recall details about famous Mandopop songs and performers. A highlight came when a question about Singaporean singer Kit Chan prompted Ho to correctly answer that Chan’s 1995 song “Worries” was used to advertise rice products.
The event showcased a blend of generations connected by a shared interest in music, with Ho noting the contrast between her own age and that of her new companions, who could well be her children. Though her group did not win, the journalist described feeling "high on Mandopop tunes" and energized by the collective enthusiasm.
The practice of attending social outings alone is becoming more common, particularly among women, as revealed by observations from a nearby Taiwan bistro, which noted that on certain nights, up to 20 female customers arrived unaccompanied. Online checklists have emerged gauging personal independence through solo activities such as dining out, attending concerts, traveling, or even undergoing medical procedures alone.
Interviews with individuals revealed varied comfort levels with solitary outings. One woman expressed ease in going for drinks alone, appreciating the anonymity it offers, while another recounted attending an overseas concert by herself. A third individual described solo activities as the default unless logically impossible, citing the impracticality of playing badminton alone as a humorous example.
Despite a rise in solo participation, many still experience unease rooted in social conditioning and an evolutionary instinct to stay within groups for safety. Solo travel or dining can present additional challenges, such as managing logistics or sharing food portions. Nevertheless, those who venture out independently often find the experiences rewarding and confidence-building.
Ho’s decision to attend the Mandopop quiz alone underscores a broader societal shift toward embracing solo engagement in recreational activities. Her reflections highlight the potential for personal growth when individuals push beyond discomfort to participate fully. The event served as a reminder that stepping outside conventional social norms can lead to unexpected connections and enjoyment.