Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you go out for lunch solo?

166 replies

Hesxboon · 17/09/2024 22:38

I have a day to myself Tomorow well afternoon once dd is in nursery. Really want to get my eyebrows sorted and go for lunch, maybe a bit of shopping. Why do I feel like I’m strange for going on my own? Especially lunch. Does anyone else do this? My dd is a handful and I never really get time to myself or to relax, or when I do I just do housework or the endless washing I have most days. Would you find someone lunching on their own odd? Or am I overthinking it?

OP posts:
GalaticalFarce · 17/09/2024 23:09

I usually plan the day so I have a late lunch, bring it home and watch tv.
I wouldn't think of anything of someone having lunch by themselves though.

KrisAkabusi · 17/09/2024 23:08

You're overthinking. Who would even notice? Why would they?

LegoHouse274 · 17/09/2024 23:06

No, I don't, but it sounds great and if I had more time and more money then I def would! Enjoy OP!

Itisjustmyopinion · 17/09/2024 23:04

It is odd that you think it’s odd to be honest. Do you always have someone with you when you want to eat? What do you think single people do, just not eat in public?

timeforanewmoniker · 17/09/2024 23:03

I don't personally because I'm always approached by weird men when they see I'm alone, and it makes me feel irritated or vulnerable, depending on who they are and what they say. Literally the whole point is that I want to be on my own, so it defeats the purpose.

I don't find eating lunch solo odd though, just other people.

EconomyClassRockstar · 17/09/2024 23:02

It is one of my absolute favorite things to do. Take my time over a really delicious meal and a glass of wine while people watching, maybe catching up on the news on my phone or reading a book. It's just so relaxing. Also don't be afraid to ask for another table if they try to shove you in a corner so no-one can see you. You want the best table for the people watching!

If you are self conscious about sitting alone, you can always sit at the bar and chat to the bar staff and other (often also on their own) customers.

cherish123 · 17/09/2024 22:59

YANBU - go for lunch alone. I quite like doing it occasionally as I am always busy (teen DC).

StarDolphins · 17/09/2024 22:58

quite a few of my friends do this! There are a couple of us that don’t like to shop with anyone (I like to only go in my shops, for the amount of time I choose!) so it would be strange to not stop for lunch. I think it’s perfectly fine & who even looks who else is eating lunch.

Catsmere · 17/09/2024 22:58

I always eat out on my own, and so do most of the people I see at the cafes I visit. What is there to feel odd about?

UtterlyOtterly · 17/09/2024 22:58

I love eating out alone, especially on solo holidays. Why would anyone think it is odd?

morebetter · 17/09/2024 22:57

How do people get to adulthood without ever doing things like going for lunch on their own?

MonsteraMama · 17/09/2024 22:55

You're massively over thinking, no one will bat an eyelid. I used to work in a city with lots of great restaurants and I'd take myself out to lunch at least once a week.

MinervaMcGonagallsCat · 17/09/2024 22:55

Lunch, dinner breakfast- often eat solo.

What's the problem?

HotCrossBunplease · 17/09/2024 22:55

I don’t understand. Do you only go out of the house with other people? Surely it’s entirely normal to need to eat when you are out and about shopping etc?

mitogoshigg · 17/09/2024 22:54

If you want to why not though I would just eat at home or grab a takeaway sandwich myself as trying to eat out less

Thevelvelletes · 17/09/2024 22:52

No one will take blind bit of notice,I do it regularly but only sit at a table for two.im well looked after in my regular haunt.

Tigertigertigertiger · 17/09/2024 22:52

Yes

SisterAgatha · 17/09/2024 22:51

I do it all the time. Three times a week perhaps? Cinema alone. Theatre alone. I would not bat a single eyelid at someone eating alone.

Tip : when I first used to do it people would ask me “waiting for anyone to join you” before taking my order. Now I am a little more forceful in making eye contact with servers and ordering before I can be questioned.

GiddyRobin · 17/09/2024 22:50

I love going our for lunch, dinner, or just for a glass of wine on my own. It's lovely to sit there and just focus on whatever you like, enjoy the good food or drink. Sometimes I read, other times I bring my laptop and do a little bit of writing (dependent on place, obviously). Doesn't really matter, no one is watching anyway!

Peaceandquietandacuppa · 17/09/2024 22:49

Oh god, do it! Literally nobody cares. Why do you feel strange about it? I am away for work just now and had a morning to myself today. I went shopping, took myself for lunch and a coffee, and had a lovely time. Had a chat with another solo luncher and it was great.

Notmydaughteryoubitch · 17/09/2024 22:48

I am very happy eating on my own, I will typically take a book with me even if it's just a bit of a crutch.

ilovesooty · 17/09/2024 22:48

I go out to lunch on my own, out to dinner on my own, to pubs on my own, and on holiday on my own. I don't think other people are interested in what I do.

Just4thisthreadtoday · 17/09/2024 22:46

Not sure how you intended the voting to work, so I haven't voted.

Having lunch on your own is fine!

the only thing I think when I see someone having lunch on their own is 'niiiice'

if I feel uncomfortable. I just lose myself in my phone. (I feel uncomfortable sometimes due to other issues, not because I'm eating alone)

last week I took my adult god daughter out for lunch, just a farm shop cafe we both like, the lunch was sooo good I'm planning on going to have it again Friday or next week.

enjoy your afternoon & lunch in peace. I'll be disappointed if you don't do it!!

AgainandagainandagainSS · 17/09/2024 22:46

This is a real pleasure on work trips. Just me,. The food I want, my book, watching people go by…

drivingquestion · 17/09/2024 22:46

I’d do it. I know what you mean though. It feels awkward at first but nobody’s judging!