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AIBU?

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Original poster

To go for lunch on my own?

64 replies

Umbrellala · 02/06/2024 09:44

I have no plans today, DH working and everyone who I might usually see is busy.

Pregnancy cravings are a thing and I really fancy lunch at a restaurant in town, and then a potter to the bookshop to buy a new book. Would it look weird if I was sat in the restaurant on my own? It’s not an overly formal place.

Would you think twice or judge someone if you saw them on their own?

YABU - honestly, yes I would judge
YANBU - not at all, go for it

OP posts:
Holluschickie · 02/06/2024 11:02

thetaleoflife · 02/06/2024 10:38

I've seen ppl have lunch on their own and always wish I had the guts to do that!! I don't see it as weird having lunch on ur own, perfectly normal, I overthink situations and think others would be thinking why is she on her own! When in reality ppl don't really care.

I am sorry but this is just indescribably wet.

QuickFinish · 02/06/2024 10:39

Would you think twice or judge someone if you saw them on their own?

Would you think twice or judge someone sitting on their own? If not why do you think other people would? It's a bit of a negative way of thinking.

I eat out on my own but don't tend to go to fancy places as they don't tend to be where I want to eat and I think I might feel a little less comfortable on my own somewhere fancy. Otherwise I will eat on my own without feeling uncomfortable. I'm comfortable going into most pubs on my own too although I'm sure there are ones that I wouldn't feel comfortable in,

SneezedToothOut · 02/06/2024 10:39

thetaleoflife · 02/06/2024 10:38

I've seen ppl have lunch on their own and always wish I had the guts to do that!! I don't see it as weird having lunch on ur own, perfectly normal, I overthink situations and think others would be thinking why is she on her own! When in reality ppl don't really care.

Why would it need guts?

thetaleoflife · 02/06/2024 10:38

I've seen ppl have lunch on their own and always wish I had the guts to do that!! I don't see it as weird having lunch on ur own, perfectly normal, I overthink situations and think others would be thinking why is she on her own! When in reality ppl don't really care.

SneezedToothOut · 02/06/2024 10:38

Holluschickie · 02/06/2024 10:00

I do solo holidays or weekends away at least thrice a year. In foreign countries. And I am married. I like my space.

Show quote history

Same. I have cut down the frequency of solo holidays now I’m away 50% of the time. But I love my space.

Mirandawrongs · 02/06/2024 10:28

the only people looking at you are the envious ones.

I love going out for a meal alone!
book, maybe a podcast + headphones.
bliss!

ouch321 · 02/06/2024 10:26

Holluschickie · 02/06/2024 09:50

Don't! I would definitely judge them. I mean how pathetic are women eating, travelling and enjoying life on their own? Don't they know we can only move in couples like Noah's Ark?

Yep, this is a fantastic example of the sneering attitude on Mumsmet against anyone who isn't partnered up that we should feel shame for wanting to enjoy the same leisure activities as those with boyfriends and husbands.
"Spinster" isn't a word that is used much any more but the derisory attitude is everywhere. Always the threads about travelling alone or dining alone being something for weirdos. Apparently one should remain at home and knit in the parlour.

GaspingGekko · 02/06/2024 10:23

If I saw you eating alone the only judging I would do is how jealous I am that I'm not getting to do the same.

marshmallowfinder · 02/06/2024 10:21

Yabu to say sat, when it should be sitting. (Yes I know, I know...) but you are certainly not remotely u to have lunch on your own. Who gives a fuck what a total stranger is doing? Just please yourself and enjoy, OP!

TheYearOfSmallThings · 02/06/2024 10:20

NeedToKnow101 · 02/06/2024 10:13

Definitely go! Especially if it's your first baby as you won't get much time to yourself once baby comes..

God yes. Go now and go often!

TheYearOfSmallThings · 02/06/2024 10:18

I sometimes sneak out of work via another department at lunchtime so I can eat on my own in total peace. I swear I am not a weirdo.

TheRomanticOutlaw · 02/06/2024 10:18

I promise you, nobody thinks it’s odd or takes any notice of people dining alone, loads of people do it. I do it. Especially now we have loads of coffee shops everywhere, you can’t go in one without seeing someone beavering away on a laptop then having their lunch and carrying on afterwards.
Treat yourself. There’s no need to miss out on what you fancy doing because nobody can go with you. I went to Rome on my own for a week and had a lovely time and nobody cared at all that I was sat in restaurants eating alone. It was great 😊

jmh740 · 02/06/2024 10:15

I would go to the book shop first then I had something to read.
I often go for lunch myself oh has a disability and sometimes can't leave the house.

NeedToKnow101 · 02/06/2024 10:13

Definitely go! Especially if it's your first baby as you won't get much time to yourself once baby comes..

ClemFandangoCanYouHearMe · 02/06/2024 10:13

I'm sitting eating dinner and drinking wine on my own as I type this. Away in a foreign city with two friends who have also both gone off to do their own thing this evening.

Perfectly fine - go for it!

CandiedPrincess · 02/06/2024 10:08

I travel for work a lot and eat on my own all the time.

itsgoingtobeabumpyride · 02/06/2024 10:06

I literally just commented on a post about a buffet style restaurant yesterday and said I go alone for lunch.
It's fine to go by yourself, don't be embarrassed, anyone who looks sideways at you are the ones with a problem.
I love a quiet lunch by myself, a glass of Pinot (none for you!) and a leisurely scroll through MN, fantastic!

Saintmariesleuth · 02/06/2024 10:02

I wouldn't think it weird to see someone dining alone and have eaten out alone a number of times.

Enjoy the chance to eat what you want and where you want in a peaceful manner

EnterFunnyNameHere · 02/06/2024 10:02

I don't think people would judge, but even if they do - who cares? They're strangers!

mooncloud1 · 02/06/2024 10:01

Sounds lovely, I don't understand why you are asking if people would judge, like what is there to judge? If you asked, would people think I was a sad lonely loser with no friends, that's a valid question. And the answer would still be no, the majority of people will not think that, and the ones who do, who cares...

Holluschickie · 02/06/2024 10:00

SneezedToothOut · 02/06/2024 09:59

I do this at least once a year. Absolute bliss.

Show quote history

I do solo holidays or weekends away at least thrice a year. In foreign countries. And I am married. I like my space.

SneezedToothOut · 02/06/2024 09:59

alittlehopeisadangerousthing · 02/06/2024 09:52

I recently went on a holiday for a week and ate alone for breakfast lunch and dinner! Nobody stared but I really couldn't care less what anyone thought, it's my life

I do this at least once a year. Absolute bliss.

PostalPanic · 02/06/2024 09:58

How is this even being asked!!!!

Potentially 'judging' other humans for having the temerity to sit at a table without a companion?

Not sure if biscuits still exist, but here.... have a cookie!🍪

Cancello · 02/06/2024 09:57

I LOVE going out for lunch alone! Go for it. No-one is judging, they're too busy enjoying their own lunch.

martha4clark · 02/06/2024 09:57

Of course it's not weird. Go and enjoy yourself.