To ask if you go out for lunch solo?

Eh ?

Why would you ask this poster if they are a man?

There are 5 pages of us saying 'how is this even a question'.

What has being a woman or being a man got to do with it ? Surely everyone has stopped for a bite to eat when shopping, or visiting an attraction, or on their way on holiday, or when between clients at work, or (as above) waiting for the dog to be groomed, or car services, or whatever reason you might need to hang about somewhere.

To be fair, eating out and visiting bars in the company of other women is not enough to deter some men. AirPods and a book or kindle or other device can help, also pretending one can’t speak or understand English.

Well, go do it.

Unless there's a medical or financial reason why you can't, I'd say you absolutely should and enjoy every minute.

Unfair.
Are you a man?
I'm a young woman and, while I certainly do things alone, I have to plan and prepare before I do.
Eating alone or visiting a pub alone are 2 of the most difficult things.

Oh yes this is another good time! I have a fave coffee shop near the groomers, bliss.

I've been going for lunch/coffee regularly on my own for over 30 years. If anyone ever thought it was "odd" that's their issue, not mine. I couldn't give a fuck.

The one thing that annoys me is when waiters say "just you?". There is no "just" about me

Sorry, what? You've never gone out for lunch on your own, how is this even possible? And if you'd love to then why in the name of all that's holy don't you? This is not like never having been to x country, or never having jumped out of a plane. It is about as accessible as going to a supermarket. Do it today!

I have been lunching solo for years. If out shopping on my own or dh out doing something else and knowing he will be getting his own lunch. Often pop in for a solo coffee as now retired.

Depending on what type of restaurant or pub, make sure they don't park you at a table next to the kitchen door or toilets entrance.

I do everything alone and love it! Live, travel, lunch, dinner, cinema. I find people in restaurants often chat if you're alone but I've never felt judged.

Absolutely. I go out for dinner on my own too sometimes and I holiday solo. It’s wonderful. I eat with Dh and dc plenty! It’s nice to have some peace to eat what you really want.

You're massively overthinking it.

I never have but I'd love too!

No, I wouldn't think it odd at all. When I've had the opportunity, I've eaten out alone. I did find that after years of having a partner, I was self conscious eating out alone, but after a couple of times, I got over it. Go, and enjoy yourself!

I was always on the road - choice between a sandwich in the car, or a hot meal in a cafe/restaurant, no competition. I was quite often staying in a hotel over night, so would have dinner on my own. If you feel a little self conscious, a book or a notepad and pen are useful to hide behind.
I have had a meal in a pub on my own, but I always thought that was a bit more conspicuous, and I didn't want to stand out, when there was a perfectly good restaurant near by. That's my choice, though, you may prefer a pub.

OK let's translate what you've written into what you're actually saying....

Dear Mumsnet users, I think people who do stuff alone are fucking weird losers. I think all single people should not be allowed out of the house until they get a partner or husband as we don't want them lowering the tone of our society. Don't you agree?

This. I believe the quote " Everyone is far too busy thinking about themselves to bother with what you are doing " will help you here. I love shopping, mooching, having lunch. Its a treat. Its allowed.

I've done this since I was an older teenager when shopping alone. You'll most likely find there will be other people eating alone, people shopping and stopping for food, and workers having lunch alone, its normal I think.

Miserable*

How sad. My Nan is almost 90 and does have friends but obviously most people her age have died. She'd have a sad existence if she didn't go out alone, holiday alone sometimes. They may be in for missable old ages!

A couple of times a week. I love it x

All the time! Well not so much now as money is tighter, but especially when I had builders in I needed to escape so took myself off to a local cafe for brunch. Rotated a few. I love finding a nice little place with a cosy atmosphere!
What I don't do is hog a table for four while just having a coffee during busy times. I'm happy to share a table but I do look at some people with their laptops, one long empty coffee cup and a queue waiting.
Anyway yes it's fun trying out new places and no one cares - there's usually another solo diner around.

Just another comment for PP who have said things like 'dont know how you've got to this age without going out alone'

I have two siblings who would NEVER go out for food (even a coffee) on their own. They've never been in the situation where they're out for a day shopping on their own and are hungry because they'd never go for a shopping trip alone. One of them occasionally does work trips and buys a meal deal to eat in his room. When they hear I do stuff alone they are generally disgusted. If OP has people like that around them, maybe that's how it's happened.

I prefer eating lunch alone as I can savour the food! When I'm with others, I feel distracted and gulp it down without thought which takes away from the experience in a way. That's just me though.

I love a solo lunch. I take my kindle, pick somewhere that I know I like and won't need too much service (sometimes they can be a little forgetful of solo diners) and then just relax.

I love doing things on my own, I'll go to the cinema, concerts, festivals etc etc I have friends and I'm married but I enjoy the pace of doing stuff when I want and how I want.

If people judge that's their problem not yours.