Viewing a film in a theatre provides us with an escape from reality, a time to enjoy just being. But enjoying your movie theatre experience is complicated. Prices of admission and consesions are soaring. You need to be able to get the best out of your buck. The arrival is where your movie theater adventure begins. Notice the road sign sporting the title of your movie choice. This is when your money starts working. Think of the sign as the gate to a theme park. From here on it is very important how you spend your energy. It doesn't hurt to drive by the box office to make sure the movie starts when you think. It's very bad movie theater etiquette to walk to the box office and then have to return to your car. You will look lost and make your companions feel uncomfortable. Find an appropriate parking space. If you're familiar with the theater consider whether the movie will be played in a specific theater. For example if the movie you're going to see is a blockbuster, then park your car near the exit of the theater with surround sound. Most big money films will be playing in the theatre with the best sound. But if you're not sure of the screen the movie will be playing on, then park near the box office. If accompanied by a date, be sure to park in a well lit area. If you need help in the romance department, then park in a poorly lit area to have your date seek your arm for security purposes. Keep in mind not to lock your keys in the car after you're parked. This could ruin a perfect experience. Be sure to have your money when you get out of the car so you will not have to return to the car. Next step, the ticket line. This isn't a part of the experience which you can practice for. This experience varies by the size of the line, the number or nature of your companions, and by the weather. But a good rule of thumb is to use this time for lazy conversation. Talk to your movie-going companions. It's important to learn who, if any, of your companions are going to help in your experience. If they sound excited, then they will contribute to your experience. If they seem quiet or sad, avoid them at all costs. They will ruin your experience! If you're on a date, void the conversation rule. The easiest and best way to score points is to just look into their eyes and smile. Talking will only bring about conversation. And if you're dating, their conversation has the power to shift your mood instantly. If they are not happy, most likely they will make you unhappy. So don't talk to them. An excited mood helps get the movie experience off on the right foot. The concession stand needs to be used wisely. It's important to prepare yourself properly. If you know it's going to be a lengthy film, then popcorn and a drink will help. But if the film is expected to be short, steer clear of the drinks. You will lose precious theater time visiting the restroom. The length of the movie can usually be determined by the length between the start of the seven o'clock movie and the nine o'clock movie. When purchasing popcorn, always ask for butter. Butter will cover up any stale flavors the popcorn may have. Void this rule if you are prone to heart problems. It's usually wise to go ahead and visit the restroom. Even if you didn't purchase refreshments there is no telling when your bladder will need to be drained. If you're being accompanied by a date, it is important to offer to purchase refreshments for the two of you. Be careful. The concession prices are high enough, but buying for two people could easily total more than twenty dollars. So ask once and only once. If your companion says no, don't push it. You will not feel like a bad person for not asking, and your date will feel good about saving you a little money. And not having your hands tied up with drinks and food will allow more room for affection. Affection eases your mind as to whether your companion is feeling loved or not. You are now prepared to completely enjoy the movie. Finding your seat is made of two processes. First is to find the correct screening room. If you are accompanied by others, don't be afraid to lead the way. It will let the others know that you're there to enjoy yourself and have fun. The second step is to pick a seat in the screening room. The most effective seats are usually the middle row of seats. Sitting to close too the screen will cause a headache. Sitting too far back may cause you to lose the connection between you and the screen. If you're alone, sitting in the middle of a row of seats is probably safer. You will not feel as lonely surround by objects on all sides. If you're lucky, people will sit close to you, and you can wait for the starting of the film by listening to their conversation. Be sure not to sit behind someone. They may not be in your way at first, but when your back relaxes half way through the film their head will gain about 6 inches. Anyone with the least knowledge of theater manners will not sit directly in front of you. If you're accompanied by friends, be sure to use the information gathered in the ticket line to determine the order of seating. Do not sit next to someone who is not having fun! They will ruin the film! If you're on a date, start the cuddling now. If you fail to show affection they may realize you're not there to be with them but to enjoy the movie. So cover up the best you can. Hold hands, slip in a few kisses, anything to tide them over for the duration of the film. If applicable, position your popcorn and drink so they will be accessible without visual reference. Don’t forget to watch the film! Losing ourselves is a skill that is key to enjoying a film. This is when we focus directly on the screen and the real world around us becomes unimportant. All that matters is what is happening on the big screen. The theater owners recognize this. That is why they darken the theater and turn the sound up really loud. This helps us become focused on the film. The next skill is being quiet. Every time you speak you pull yourself out of the movie-watching state. Your mind is thrown back into the real world. Rapid changes from the real world to the movie watching state can cause health problems. With these two things in mind, sit back and enjoy the film. End your experience successfully. Watching the credits will stretch your money a little bit further. But be sure to gradually start talking or looking around. It helps to ease yourself out of the movie watching state. Depending on where you parked, choose which way to exit. If you knew which screening room the film was going to be playing in, exit through the fire exit located in the screening room. If you parked close to the box office then exit the way you entered. If you purchased refreshments, it doesn’t hurt to leave them on the floor where you sat. You just had a great experience, and you do not need to be worried about where the trash cans are or getting your clothes dirty. The theater pays people to clean. Walking to your car is also a good time to make conversation with your companions. If you're on a date then be sure to hold their hand and remind them of the part of the film that your really liked. But don’t be too giddy, they may realize you their to see the movie. If you're not on a date, then just talk about the film to your fiends. It doesn’t hurt to review. On the way home be sure to talk about something else besides the film. Although you had a very successful movie theater experience, you may set yourself up for depression. If you dwell on the film you will wish you were back in the theater. It will make facing normal life hard. I’ve enjoyed a number of films and plan to enjoy many more. I’ve also had some not so pleasant times. My date has gotten sick. The projector broke. The popcorn had bugs in it. I’ve gotten sick. We all fail every now and then. Don’t let a couple of bad experiences make you abandon your theatre needs. See you at the box-office.