First off I must STRESS, I’m not talking about people that are on business travel. I understand people on business doing it. I’m talking about people that are close to home & decide to go to a restaurant alone.
I just don’t understand the following steps one goes thru when eating alone:
- decides to forego the food in their home (if no food it would make sense to go to a grocery store)
- actually gets in vehicle and drives to restaurant
- asks to be seated for ONE
Now as your seated, what the hell do you do when as you wait for the meal?
Then the meal is served and you simply eat it… What is the point?
To me, going out to a restaurant is a chance to talk with someone & enjoy intelligent conversation over a meal. Going alone, you are just fulfilling the act of eating. Sounds like something a caveman would do.
Not to mention, there are no booths for one or tables set for one.
Someone please explain?
Answers & Comments
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Wow, you must be really insecure. I have a friend that hates to be alone just like you and because I know her so well I know that it's because she doesn't really like herself. Going to a restaurant alone, or a movie alone, or shopping alone, etc. is a chance for me to be alone period. I'm a teacher so I talk to people all day long and then come home to a full household. For me, taking a good book to restaurant and eating alone is a nice treat. It's a chance to stop talking and stop doing for others and just relax and let someone else wait on me.
I have on rare occasions eaten in a restaurant by myself and I didn't feel one bit weird about it. Just because you need to have someone to talk to when you eat at a restaurant doesn't mean the whole world feels the same way. Not everyone has your life. They might not have friends, their family might be out of town, they might be Friends with restaurant employees. The list of reasons would be endless. Actually many restaurants have seats at the counter or very small tables that can be used for 1 person so your claim that none do is ridiculous.
I have dined alone in a nice restaurant for the following reasons:
1. I wanted a specific meal and it was something that I just don't have the talent to cook.
2. I was having my kitchen remodeled and didn't have the ability to cook.
3. I discovered a new restaurant that I wanted to try, but nobody else was interested in going with me.
Plenty of people go to restaurants alone, because they simply have no family or friends close by, etc. to dine with.
As much as I love good dinner conversation, there are times when I am content just absorbing the environment around me and simply relax with a nice glass of wine while I wait for a nice dinner.
My, my...someone needs a little less caffeine! There is absolutely nothing wrong with eating out alone and it's really none of your business why people do. But since you asked...have you given any thought to the idea that it's nicer to be out around people than it is to sit home alone? Or maybe one didn't feel like preparing a meal? I often eat out alone when my husband is away on business and I enjoy doing so. So lighten up.
LOL. I love to go to a nice restaurant alone. I bring a good book and enjoy every bite of my food. I could care less if it looks strange or not; I'm doing it for myself.
Since I have a husband and 3 kids, every now and again I crave solitude. I also really love to eat and it is wonderful to actually take my time and eat the food when it is nice and hot, without any interruptions. Eating a nice meal alone is not terribly expensive and it really recharges my spirit.
This is a trait of someone who is very comfortable with themselves.
My father used to dine alone in restaurants, he even went to the movies alone. And yet, my father was a very social person, had many friends all over the world, belonged to many clubs and never met a stranger.
A person who is comfortable with themselves does not require the company of others to enjoy the pleasures in life, such as eating a fine meal, or watching a film, or taking a walk in the park, etc.
Frankly it is nobody's business why someone is eating alone. Whether they are on business travel, completely lonely, or just feel like getting out of the house for a meal and don't want to track down friends to eat with. It is none of your business as to the why.
I go to a restaurant for a meal alone if my husband is away and I just don't feel like cooking. As I'm waiting, I may read a book or magazine, write a letter, or smugly reflect on how much I'm annoying those who don't like people dining alone.
If you are hungry and you feel like going out, that is your choice. I work 2nd shift, so my 'lunch' time usually falls in the early afternoon while most of my friends are still at work. While I don't usually eat out, when I do, I have no worries about eating alone.
You have to eat, right? What is wrong with having a sit down meal and being served if that is what you are in the mood for? Who does it hurt?
Sometimes it is nice to enjoy a meal from a nice restaurant even if it is by yourself. I see no problem being alone and eating. I have done if a few time. It's calm, quiet and simple.
Although I admit, I didn't understand it before I tried it.