Would you go out and eat alone in a restaurant?

[AramintaJones]

And if not, why not?

I used to do this all the time without a second thought. Years ago now. And I'd not have an issue doing it now in McDonald's or Costa or somewhere like that (not that I have for ages)

Anyway, today I have a new bathroom being fitted. The guys are up and down, up and down and it's obviously quite chaotic and noisy. I work from home so no escape really

So I had the idea of going out to eat - with my phone and kindle, for just an hours peace. Only somewhere like a Harvester

But then another part of me hours 'eek! What on Earth will people think , me sat there alone?' I KNOW I probably won't even be noticed but it's sort of stopping me

So, would you do it? Without a second thought?

I do it without a second thought.

Yes, it's one of my favourite things to do. I don't think anyone else even notices to be honest.

Yes! But I have had to do it for work enough times that it doesn't phase me now.

Lunchtimes for definite. Dinner, yes but not a Fri or Sat night as that does feel a bit tragic. But daytimes on any day or other evenings yes.

Honestly, no one will notice and even if they do they will probably just be envious.

I'd do it no problem.

(Unless it was a romantic table for two type place, on Valentine's!)

I do this a lot whenever I get the chance at lunchtime, and also at night when I'm away with work. I relish the time to was a book or catch up on the news.

I have to due to working away a lot. But even on my own I very often take my kindle with me and go eat by myself. Lunch or dinner and any day of the week is ok with me. It is so relaxing and I honestly believe that anybody who is looking at you is probably thinking “Gosh that looks nice.. I’m making a mental note to take some “me-time” like that soon!”

Yes, would not give it a second thought.
What do you think, they will think? That women should starve if she can’t find anyone to share a table with.

Yes of course! I love doing this!

God I miss doing this! DS doesn't go to nursery so I'm with him all the time. Being alone is not an option until the evening 😂 and even then I can't go out 😂

But I do miss doing this. I'd have a book or bring some admin along with me, order a coffee and people watch out the window.

Who gives a fuck what everyone else thinks? To be fair, most people are so.absorbed in what they're doing to even contemplate why I'm on my own in a coffee shop 😂

yes - I do it a lot

I do it regularly.

I do it regularly when travelling for work and also if I take myself off shopping for the day.

I take my kindle and ask for a window seat (for people watching) and have a lovely time to myself.

Genuinely no one ever bats an eyelid. Usually get great service too.

do it regularly.can afford to, so why not?

when i was travelling, years ago, had some surprises tho, like in italy...zuppa inglese? great! imagined something like brown windsor?

imagine my surprise when i was brought a large bowl of....trifle!

In your circumstances I’d do it for sure.

Personally I don’t like it. I’ve done it a lot when working away. I always found it a bit ‘functional’. Meals should be enjoyed with company imo!

Yes, I do so for both work and just if I fancy a nice dinner out. I probably wouldn’t pick a fine dining sort of place but anywhere from a chain to a casual local independent to a gastropub is fine.

Take a book, tablet or journal to write in if you’re wondering what to do with yourself. Nobody will bat an eyelid.

Things seem to have moved on, thank goodness, from the days when a single diner in england was invariably seated by the toilets

in france and italy, tho, i was invariably welcomed, invited into the kitchen, met the family,etc. the fact that i could barely speak the language just added to the fun of it all and threw up some surprises too (see my post above)

I did this the other week. Wanted to try a new burger place and the cat cafe so did both and had a great time
Actually planning to do it once a month or so and try all the places I have been meaning to!

I don't often do this but when I do i don't feel particularly self-conscious.
(Congrats on the new bathroom).

I do this quite a lot. Go to the cinema, concerts etc on my own.

Don't care what people think.

I work away a lot so eat in restaurants/pubs etc. on my own regularly. Preferable to sitting in my room with a takeaway!

I'm doing exactly that right now!

Yes absolutely. Do it. No point having a meager takeaway when you could go out somewhere. Enjoy!

I do most things alone, and I don't mind eating at cafes and fast food places alone, but fine dining restaurants and proper sit down meal places I'd feel awkward. Not sure why.

Yes! I quite enjoy it.
I have eaten alone in everything from fast food to chains to quite nice up market places. I enjoy it.

See, I don't really do fast food places, except when i was with the family in the usa and bribed encouraged my dn to behave well at school for a week with a MaccyD meal on the Friday

Going alone to concerts,the theatre tho...what i miss is a friend to enjoy the experience with.