A wedding is a bittersweet event.
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A sweet one, for the happy couple, because they have finally found what we all seek, an everlasting love and companionship. On the other hand, for those lonely souls left behind still saddled with a daunting task of finding such love it can feel awfully bitter.
To pacify this feeling, the “bachelor party” was born to commemorate friendships and to cruise the path of a single man before heading down marriage lane.
However, for Robbie Chernow, something very different happened. After landing in Chicago, he discovered that all of his friends’ flights were cancelled and he was all alone.
Chernow decides that the party must go on and details his journey, using #ChicagoForOne and went on to attend a Bear’s game!
Unfortunately, the empty seats only reminded him that he was still all alone on this awesome trip
If it’s any consolation, two promoters gave him a free fridge magnet.
This is Audrey and Nicolette. Even though I didn’t sign up for the Master Card they were promoting, they still gave me a Bears schedule magnet because they felt bad and as Nicolette said “this will look good on your mini fridge. (Beat). You seem like someone with a mini fridge”. Thanks, Audrey & Nicolette! #chicagoforone A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on
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Next, a boring boat ride was in store for his 28-year old, traveling alone. His hopes were sinking fast!
I have so much room on this boat for all my friends who’s flights to Chicago got canceled. #chicagoforone @notjake_fromstatefarm A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on
This boat trip was a bad idea and now Chernow was against all hope of finding new friends
Then, another pit stop from a kind stranger and Chernow took it. He was offered a sip of her wine and Chernow sipped it, without hesitation and shared this pic and caption:
This is Michelle. Her and her family sat next to me on the boat (the seats that my friends would’ve been occupying had they made it here). She showed genuine remorse for my situation – So much so that she gave me a mini bottle of Cabernet before telling her kids “let’s go sit somewhere else and let the sad man be alone”. Thanks, Michelle! #chicagoforone A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on
With hope renewed, Chernow tried Tinder to look for more friends and nothing more!
First time using Tinder! Fingers crossed! #chicagoforone A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on
Never mind, don’t need an app for that!
Charnow was probably better off alone and relied on people like Captain Ray to guide him.
This is Ray. He was the captain of my water taxi. After hearing my story he insisted I wear a life vest to ensure my safety. Accordingly to him “you must live in order to keep the bachelor party dream alive”. Thanks, Ray! Sidenote – as apropos as it is that I’m literally blue in this picture, that was a random coincidence, not an added filter meant to illustrate my current mood. #chicagoforone A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on
Even carousel rides lacked all nostalgia without friends
Charnow tried dining alone. It had no charm.
This is Theresa. She works at Portillo’s (which I’ve been told on Tinder has the best italian beef sandwich in town). According to Theresa, “these sandwiches are normally meant to be shared, but you seem sad enough to finish one by yourself”. Thanks, Theresa! #chicagoforone A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on
This held some. . .
However, he accepted his loneliness in finer fashion, through art and architecture.
Both my hotel concierge Alex and new friends on Tinder agree – The Bean at Millennial Park is a must for a great photo-shoot. “It’s the perfect for spot for a wacky photo with all your friends in front of the Chicago Skyline”. Thanks, Alex! #chicagoforone A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on
His story inspired this gofundme page so that Chernow could really enjoy his loneliness
With extra funds he can consider a warmer climate.
Having such a swell time here that I’m already planning my next vacation #mexicoforone? #chicagoforone A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on
He may not have had a magnificent bachelor party experience, but he sure made memories here!
Donate at Chernow’s GoFundMe and help this lonely guy find peace. You can follow the Chernow saga on Instagram.