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?

@MayIDestroyYou

Ask your friend why she's so uncomfortable with her own company?

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.

It's a sad belief.

That's how I read it as well.

Before I had my DS I wouldn’t have. Now I would love it for some quiet time - we went shopping as a family not long ago (don’t get me wrong, I love them) and I saw a women eating outside a cafe alone and I was jealous! It looked very relaxing.

Lunch alone sounds like bliss! I travelled round Greece for a month on my own after uni (mostly eating cheap street food rather than in restaurants). One day I treated myself to lunch on a restaurant terrace overlooking the caldera on Santorini…I stayed until dinner time reading a book, and the waiters gave me free drinks and pudding. Best restaurant experience ever! 😄

Pre-pandemic I often travelled for business. I would often eat a meal alone in a restaurant. It wasn't weird at all, far from it. It was an enjoyable way to consume delicious food and relax.

I do. I used to feel a little biit odd going out for dinner on my own when travelling for work but since having kids it's become one of life's little pleasures .

The best conversations are to be had whilst dining out alone. I’ve met al sorts of brilliant intriguing people on my travels that way. But the best bit is not having to share my food!

Of course - often. With a book, the paper or my phone. Why not, if it gives you pleasure. Your friend is boring and lacking independence.