Would you go and have lunch alone?

[FloraFoxtrots]

And if not, why not?

I'm going out today to have lunch on my own. Have a workman here and want to just concentrate on a couple of emails and err Mumsnet a bit maybe

I mentioned it to a friend and she was horrified (slightly exaggerating there) that I'd sit there like a right old saddo on my own, eating. It's nowhere posh - think along the lines of a generic chain restaurant

So - would you take yourself off and have lunch on your own?

💯! Pre kids I would have felt awkward but now I consider it the height of luxury and do it as often as possible

I used to work with a lady who was horrified at the idea of someone going out on their lunch hour by themselves. She couldn't understand it until I finally snapped one day and told her perhaps it was because people wanted a break from her.

I used to go to mcdonalds all te time when pregnant as I had a big burger craving.Id do it again somewhere else too.It doesn't bother me.

What does your friend think single people do?
You don't have to be single to have lunch alone

I happily go for lunch/breakfast/cake and tea alone. I prefer a very relaxed restaurant or cafe though, nowhere where the staff are a bit too attentive and hover.

Yes, and I often do. Always have a book with me. (Or phone) If I waited for company before I did anything I would never go out. Sometimes more enjoyable if it's with a friend that I've planned to see and we can catch up, but I still enjoy my own company in these situations.

@grapewine

What does your friend think single people do?

She's the sad one.

No one is suggesting the ops friend thinks you can only eat with your partner

Yes! Does she never go shopping on her own and stop for a spot of lunch even?!?

Of course. How lovely!

I understand why some people don't feel comfortable but your friend sounds like kind of a dick. It's far more "sad" to be so nervous of being on your own that you never enjoy life without a partner or friend. I've done travelling, gigs, restaurants all on my own, not because I was "sad" but because I wasn't going to wait until I had met someone as interesting as me

I love a quiet lunch alone. Just sit and quietly read mumsneta good book. Doesn't happen often lately but I'd certainly enjoy it!

Of course, often do and have done since about 25 in various countries, (now 50) why on earth wouldn't you?

I’ve never went and had lunch on my own but always thought those that do are very brave. Go for it

Oh I miss doing this. Bless them there is always DP or DC around at the moment (and have been for 18months without fail!) And of course having lunch with them is lovely (although it usually means I suggest it's easier and cheaper to eat at home).

I often feel a bit sorry for people who worry about the saddo thing. How exhausting must it be to feel like you can't do things like that without someone else there or to honestly care what absolute strangers think of you? )

I love my family I truly do but blimey I don't actually need them or my friends there to enjoy myself. (I'm looking at you DS2 ...you are lovely but it's not going to traumatise you if you re not within less than an armslength of me at all times !).

I used to travel for work alone all the time. As an introvert it was bliss not having to meet colleagues for dinner after day long meetings.

Now I own my own business so I regularly have lunch alone. When I have a deadline I take myself off to a posh hotel and sit in the bar for a few hours to work whilst being waited on with snacks and refills of ice cold San Pellegrino. The fact that it’s all a tax write off makes it even more enticing.

I also regularly go to the cinema alone. Tuesday morning shows are almost always empty!

Sounds lovely, OP. I feel sorry for people who are not happy or confident in their own company.

Yes, love it. I also love long train and plane journeys on my own, travelling solo etc.

Yes absolutely, eating alone is bliss! It's something I really miss at the moment.

Your friend sounds very immature.

I love taking myself out for lunch and do it often. I stayed in a lovely hotel recently and had lunch and dinner alone in the restaurant, plenty of others doing the same.

Personally I think it’s your friend who is the saddo, imagine being so insecure you couldn’t do something as simple as eating lunch without someone else there

Agree, your friend is immature. I don't judge anyone I see eating or drinking alone, and I feel comfortable eating alone.

I do tend to take a book or my phone to browse, but to be honest I love my own company and really enjoy an opportunity to dine alone!

I did it once when I was around 18 and felt incredibly self - conscious. It was a difficult time in my life though.

I do it regularly now though and don't give it a second thought. It's very peaceful and nobody bats an eyelid.

From the way wait staff take it in their stride when I say "just me / table for one" I would think it's very common.

Enjoy

Yes! Done it several times.
It's like a treat

I often do this. It started because I had no one to go out with . I didn’t want to sit in the food market outside in the rain or eat at McDonald’s all the time. My sibling would often go to nandos/pizza express by themselves. So I thought if they can do it, so can I. Why should I deprive myself of good food just because I am on my own!?. I actually prefer it now. You can take your time and not have to rush. You can eat what you want without being judged. And you don’t have to keep a conversation whilst you’re eating!

It’s not easy though and I regularly feel self conscious. I push myself to do it. I try to go to the restaurant early so there’s not many people but once it’s starts filling up sometimes I can feel on edge.

I went to the cinema by myself the other day. I’ve been wanting to go alone for years. I would do it again definitely.

@SleepingStandingUp yes it does ..we hardly eat out coz it's such a hassle if we have to self isolate.

I feel like it’s more common to eat lunch alone than with someone? Especially if you work in an office? Your friend sounds like she doesn’t work and has never travelled either. Lunches alone are bliss and very normal!

Yes I would. I am a bit bemused by people who simply can't go anywhere without someone accompanying them.