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 this a lot. It's worth bearing in mind that the coupled-up diners are looking at you with envy, not pity.

@greendale17

No, I think it is sad

Why sad? Eating alone or going to the cinema alone doesn't mean you don't have friends or aren't a social / nice person.

sad
What a ridiculous comment.

I do it all the time. Can't sad comment at all. Always think people who won't do anything on their own must have very narrow lives.

It's not sad for me.

It's a bit delicious not having to make conversation or worse be waiting for signs that your children have sat for long enough!

Noone to please but yourself. What's not to like.

No, I also feel a bit self conscious and uncomfortable. I'm surprised so many people do it, I eat out a lot, particularly with work and it's very rare to see a sole female diner.

It seems like a real treat to me. Eating in peace, no small talk or expectations of other people.

Perhaps those that find it 'sad' should give it a go. It's very liberating.

Yes, and that includes a fine dining taster menu dinner when I took a 1 night hotel stay to unwind from a really manic work situation (midweek - DH had work and minded the then- small DC).

Often do it traveling for work, you still need dinner at night, and I’ll possibly have a glass of wine I. The hotel before bed.

And relatively frequently at home - lunch at work sometimes, coffees in the morning to escape work and home pressures, and occasionally dinner if Dh and dd are away and I don’t feel like cooking.

I often do it. When I'm away with work or at home. Some places feel more comfortable than others. Carluccios used to be one I liked, Cote also. I dont give it a second thought.

Yes. Lovely. Prefer a seat where I can look out of a window rather than other diners though.

I've done it quite a bit, but don't enjoy the meal as much. I can't read and eat, so tend to eat too fast and head back to my room. For me, half the pleasure is having someone to share the time and meal with. Company makes a bog standard meal better, and a good one wonderful.

I've never understood why some women have a problem with this. OK,I admit that it's not something that I would have done years ago,when I was in my late teens or twenties. But I think confidence comes with age,and now in my mid 50s,I think nothing of going to my local Wetherspoons or Harvester to eat alone. I can honestly say I have never had so much as an odd look.

I’ll happily sit in a coffee shop, cafe or fast food place on my own. I’m out and about during the day a lot for work so often have an hour to kill.

I’m not sure I’d be entirely comfortable in a restaurant on a Friday evening but a chain like Harvester I wouldn’t think twice about it.

I'd do it, often have. Why not? People don't look at you as often as you think they might. When I've been in a restaurant or cafe I've rarely noticed details of someone else unless they have stood out in some way. I tend to just eat and read.

Somewhere like Pret - all the time. Not for a slow, three course dinner though. I wouldn;t have an issue with being alone, I'd just not bother unless I had company. But in your situation with builders in, I'd definitely escape and eat in peace elsewhere. No problem.

Yes! I love doing this.
I also have the builders in again next week so i totally get you- and I’m thinking of booking a cheap hotel for a couple of nights and eating out ! I often go to places like Wagamama or sushi bars on my own and you see lots of solo diners at those types of restaurants. I go to cafes on my own during the day so why not !

Yep, and also go check out a movie if there's one on, or a music thing, whichever. Order something really nice and a little more expensive than your usual too!

I love going to the cinema on my own too!
I think people who can’t go anywhere or do anything on their own are the ‘sad’ ones for not embracing the freedom we have !

No, I think it is sad

There's nothing sad about eating out alone. I used to enjoy it.