Single person - feel like I am taking up too much space in cafe?! **title edited by MNHQ at OP's request**

[impossiblenottodo]

I thought I'd treat myself to lunch out as children at their Dads and I'm feeling a bit fed up. But because there are reduced tables everywhere there are people waiting and I felt like it wasn't fair to businesses to take up a table by myself. Ended up in a chain restaurant because it was easier but I'm at a table for four, about half the number of tables available. Feel like I should go as people looking for somewhere to sit. Am I paranoid or am I taking up too much space??

You have every right to be there. They are no more important than you and can wait their turn like you did. Some people have no choice but to eat out solo and some people want to. YANBU.

Why shouldnt you sit there, you have just as much right.

Thank you. I was feeling very conscious of being alone. And bad for business.

Its good to know that the feeling self conscious is probably my issue and others might not be thinking anything.

I have also realised the title of the thread is probably insensitive to others in same position.

I did exactly same yesterday and thought staff were a bit sneary about me being alone but you know what, tough. I'm paying I deserve to be there. I was polite etc the group of 6 nearby were not. I enjoyed it (and first day post marriage breakdown and dd free I was enjoying my own company and not a snotty crying mess) so I count it as a win!

If I thought anything against you it might be jealousy due to being able to get away from all the others you might have been locked in with.

Thanks MNHQ.
@kshaw well done. Definitely a win. It gets easier (usually I am quite happy to sit by myself).

Before I met H I went off travelling on my own for a year, I'm an only child and quite ok with my own company. But 9 years of being together and having a three year old any time alone felt novelty whereas yesterday was first time it felt like was feeling a bit more normal and I was relaxing on my own. The first nandos I'd had in years too!

Its a big adjustment. Sounds like you are doing well.

Did they put you at the table for 4?