if you travel for work, do you eat out alone?

[Readysetcake]

I’ve started a new job where I travel to the northern office every now and then. It’s in a small town so the places to eat are usually dead and I really hate going in to them and sitting alone. I feel really exposed which does nothing for my anxiety. I much prefer to unnoticeable in a sea of people.

Am I the only one that doesn’t like to eat out alone? If you hate it too, what do you do?

You get used to it. I felt like a right lonely twat to begin with. Then got right into it. Good book and a nice meal. Lovely!

I've got used to it. I take a book or my kindle and get so absorbed in it, I forget my surroundings anyway. Just remember you're probably the only person thinking about the fact you're there alone. Everyone else will just be going about their business.

Yes always. I travel by myself too.

But I tend to look for busy places where you can sit and eat at a bar or at a communal table, those are the places I feel most comfortable. But if not then that’s fine too.

I travel a lot and am usually out with others for dinner but I have eaten out alone. Doesn't bother me - just take a book/Kindle. There are usually lots of other people eating alone too, especially if you're in the hotel restaurant. If it really bothers you that much you can always buy a duvet picnic to have in your room.

I used to.
I took a book, and found places with quickish service.

I do if there is somewhere I really like the look of. Otherwise tend to do takeaway or bread/cheese type stuff in the hotel

Yes I do. Felt weird the first couple of times but I'm totally used to it now. I'll bring my kindle or a magazine and that's me sorted!

I actually prefer smaller, quieter places. I find you can generally be a bit chattier to the waiter about what is on the menu or recommendations of somewhere to go for a drink if you fancy, and then the peace and quiet during the meal is more conducive to book reading/ podcast listening.

I have never walked into a restaurant and noticed somebody eating alone, which makes me think that other people really aren't noticing me, even if they do glance my way.

Yes it’s great. You can have a wine and your kindle. The first time I did it I noticed how many others were too - it was a restaurant attached to business type hotel

I travel within the UK and oversea a few times a year with work.

I always eat out even when I am on my own. One of the perks of having a travelling expense account is getting a nice dinner cooked for you!

I don't find it awkward myself, but maybe take a book or something so you can lose yourself in that and not worry about what is going on around you.

I used to travel a lot in the UK for work and eating alone was never a problem. There was one period when I was in the same area a lot and stayed regularly at a country pub. There were a group of people in the same position that stayed there and we ended up being a little group. The landlord even organised a Christmas dinner for us.

Mostly I get food and sit in my room so I can put my feet up and watch rubbish. I'm happy to go to the hotel restaurant on my own, but wouldn't normally go out somewhere else.

I do have a book in my bag. I just have to suck it up and get used to it I suppose! Hopefully Ill stop feeling awkward quickly. It’s a shitty feeling!

I love eating out alone, it reminds me of my backpacking days and I have a big family and sociable, people focussed work place - solitude is priceless!

I always read or study at the table if eating alone. Take a book, as everyone says. Or a laptop if you want to signal to everyone that you're only eating alone because you're on business!

If not eating with colleagues/ local friends then sometimes I'll eat in a restaurant with a book or notebook. Other times I'll order room service and enjoy a post-bath chips and wine off a tray while sitting on the bed in a fluffy robe and watching TV.

Yes but I'm generally too tired to venture far from the hotel...that normally means I'm not the only lone diner.

I always take something to read and enjoy eating a meal that's still hot in peace. I generally don't care what people think of me though.

Yes. I just take my kindle and ask for a decent table - I won't accept being shoved in the corner by the kitchen door.

I used to but now I just get room service or buy some sandwiches and a small bottle of wine and have it in my room and relax . Heaven

I used to dislike eating out alone but now I really enjoy it. I take a book and it doesn’t feel odd anymore.

Yes, I love eating out alone. Nice meal, good book, decent wine... We’re only allowed to expense one alcoholic drink(!), so I always ask them to put a dessert on my bill but bring me wine instead.

I did it! I’m in a nice looking seafood restaurant. Book is out. Only person in here but at least I will get fast service.

I can’t expense alcohol plus I’ve had to drive as my hotel is in the middle of nowhere (like I said office is rural). So shouldn’t drink. I may stop at shop on way back to have a drink in the room.
Thanks for the hand hold people.

I love it. DH is a huge foodie who likes nothing more than wandering for ages considering menus, so it's wonderful to consult only what I feel like eating, and to go as up or downmarket as I fancy.

I quite like it - I take along a book or Kindle and it's really quite pleasant to eat in peace and quiet. Restaurants and hotels seem to be pretty used to it.

Yes I do. But one of my favourite things to do is buy sushi from Markies and eat it in bed at 6pm, read a book and be zonked by half eight in the travel lodge. I am so rock’n’roll!

I do and I enjoy it now. Good book or my iPad and some headphones.