Been single almost 18 years and I'm unemployed due to disability, currently housebound but when I'm not - of course! My friends are often busy at work or with their partner/spouse and families etc I do stuff with them too, but if they're not available or don't fancy the film/show/act I do then I go alone
I don't understand why people think it odd - although I've noticed this is most often applied to WOMEN eating out alone, people generally don't think it strange if men do so
My mother was horrified initially at me dating to enter a pub alone! 
apparently it's not ladylike!
I find it weird when people are uncomfortable in their own company.
Definitely
I go to public lectures, museums, art galleries, cinema, theatre, comedy clubs... all on my own some as I'm a big girl and I can!
I'd feel all self conscious and I honestly believe that most people would too I think this thread proves you wrong
One of the great benefits of getting older op is not giving a fuck what others think about things that are none of their business!
If I take my teen children for a sports thing somewhere I'll tuck myself into a cafe and enjoy lots of caffeine and a good book.
Yep! When dd was in the clubs/sports/afternoon shopping with friends somewhere too far for her to get to alone but once she was there with friends she was fine phase I'd drop her off at whatever and head to nearest lovely cafe/restaurant for at least a cuppa abs a chill out if not a full meal. I discovered some fantastic places to eat this way I wouldn't otherwise have come across, the staff got to know me and became more welcoming etc I even got a few freebies!
It isn't that the friend is uncomfortable in her own company - it's that she believes women have no value unless accompanied by a man; so to be seen in public alone (unless for exceptional business reasons) outs a woman as chronically undesirable.
Hmm I agree with the latter part but I think it's WHY the friends feels uncomfortable at the thought of doing so - even if they don't consciously realise this