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 a lot. I’m an semi retired empty nester, my DH still works full time, very long days including a fair amount of traveling. If I didn’t go out on my own to theatres, exhibitions, restaurants etc I’d sit at home staring at the four walls. As far as I am aware no one has ever given me a second glance except in a positive way (eg on first name terms with staff at local italian restaurant where they are always very happy when ‘Mr Loon’ turns up with me).

One thing I dont do on my own is dance shows. I love straight plays and musicals on my own, also cinema but dance shows on my own just seem too lonely. 😔

I do this all the time and I love it.

We had a new bathroom recently and completely understand the getting out of the house thing.

Yes regularly. At least once a week
Cote, Carluccios, Bills, Comptoir Libannais. ..and wine bars.

I do this loads. It’s frigging brilliant - quality time with myself.

I’ve done it in coffee shops to cinemas to Michelin starred restaurants.

I do this about once a week. just a cheapish pub chain but the food isn't the issue - just the luxury of an hour on my own with a book.

I wouldn't hesitate to do so, a meal in peace and quiet with a book and a glass of wine is soul-soothing.
Go for it!

we went to a 3 star michelin restaurant just outside Bruges in the summer and there was a lady there by herself. No book, no messing about on her 'phone, just obviously savouring every mouthful of food and glass of wine.
I thought it looked great but would feel bad going somewhere that good without husband as he'd miss out.
if I was single I'd do it like a shot!

I do it all the time. Is there supposed to be something wrong with it? I’ve never even thought anything of it

No one cares, especially in Harvester.

Yes I do, wouldn't occur to me not to.

No, I think it is sad

It's fine - I've been to the theatre on my own!

Yeah, to a cafe, pub, fast food place but no to a posh restaurant.

With apologies to Meagan 2018 but I have colleagues who don't get phase/faze and write out to clients regularly misusing the spelling/meaning.It's embarassing!:
Phase:"a distinct period or stage in a process of change or forming part of something's development." It's just a phase,she's two years old, she'll get over these tantrums"
Faze:disturb or disconcert (someone).
"She was not fazed by his show of anger"
We need to get our money back from those who did not educate us?Or do we need to see more written language?
Do not be fazed at the idea of eating alone,it's great, and if you are a grammar obsessive,could be inevitable!Worrying about it would just be a phase you'd go through before you actively enjoy it.

I have done on many occasions. I have never felt bad about it, or been made to feel odd by others.

@greendale17 why? I was in town, hungry and wanted to try a new place rather than grab a sandwich or McDonald's

embarrassing even! You can tell I never proof read.Sigh.As stupid as misuse of words.

Of course, used to lunch on my own when DH looked after the children so I could have a shopping day on my own. Still do now since DH died, I miss him obviously, but it's nice to treat myself. And it's usually Cafe Rouge or similar, and I have the works - prosecco, two courses, wine, sometimes coffee and brandy! Why ever not, and no I'm not driving!

Yep do it all the time when working away. Better than room service and no one bats an eye

You also don’t have to worry yourself on how the bill will be split at the end of the meal. Order yourself all the good stuff!

Yes, I'm a single parent so it's always been a real treat to take myself out for lunch or dinner. I miss it now I have a DP and he wants to tag along...

I unexpectedly had to stay away overnight for work once pre-DH. I checked into a hotel and thought I would grab some food and go to the cinema by myself. Then I remembered it was V-day and decided not to bother!!!

I'm a bit late to this but I hope you had a great time eating out.

greendale17

Sad? I've eaten on my own looking out over Sydney harbour, had a meal interupted by a visit from a bandicoot in Cairns, discused the Falklands in Mendoza in my crap Spanish and the waiter's crap English.

I've also eaten out alone in Bali, Buenos Aires, London, Birmingham, Perth (the one in Oz) Santiage de Chile, Singapore, Salto, Montevideo...

If I waited to have someone to share with me I'd never have travelled to so many places, and that would be sad.

No as I'm very self conscious.i won't even get a coffee by myself and instead opt for a takeaway to walk around with. I think I'm going to have to learn to though as I am now a single mum and have resigned myself to a life alone.