Am I the only sad twat who eats out alone?

[ReallyFuckingHopeThisWorksOut]

I've been doing it for years and I actually enjoy it. In fact I sometimes even choose to go alone rather than with someone because I just can't be bothered with company. Whilst in a relationship it's never bothered me, but at the minute I'm feeling a bit fragile because I'm single and very lonely in general... so I feel like everyone else looks at me and knows how I'm feeling!

I booked a table earlier and in fairness there was a language barrier so I had to tell him I wanted a table for just me, but he didn't seem to understand for ages! Most people don't bat an eyelid but very, very occasionally waiters have looked a bit "oh!" when I've walked in alone and asked for a menu "just for me".

I wouldn't dress up to the nines and go somewhere really fancy surrounded by couples or anything, it's usually standard pubs or cafes or somewhere I can sit in a corner after a long hike or shopping trip and just eat a hot meal and read a magazine or something in peace for half an hour.

I tell myself it's good that I'm independent and can do things without other people but I do sometimes think to myself, man just admit it... what a sad wanker I am.

So many people on here recommend it... in reality I don't know anyone else who does!

Are you calling me a sad twat because I enjoy eating nice food that I haven't cooked myself, in public without an escort?

Not only do I eat out by myself, sometimes I go to a bar and have a drink by myself. I enjoy my own company, I like people-watching, it's easier to sit and have a good read than at home with chores around me, and I am supporting local businesses and employers.

Not relying on other people to enable me to enjoy life doesn't make me sad, or a twat...

I do in cafes

I had dinner out by myself at a lovely Turkish place just last night!

I love it - yeah, you get the occasional weird look but, quite frankly, they don’t know why you’re alone. You could be staying nearby for work for all they know. It doesn’t really matter. You get some peace and quiet and you don’t have to share your dessert. Go for it!!!

I have a DH and 3 teenage DC and I often go out alone - to eat, to the cinema, theatre, concerts. I also go away by myself for a few nights alone a few times a year. I really like it. I also go and do all these things with other people too sometimes so it just depends how I feel. I think it’s completely fine.

I have two young children and a job where I talk/get talked at all day. I bloody love the solitude and quiet of a solo cinema trip, coffee and cake by myself or a meal out. I usually take a book and enjoy the peace!

So you're in the pub with DH and you check out every table to see how many people are they? Chances are it wouldn't even register given people get up and down. No one is suggesting most people in restaurants are alone but the idea that it's good weird niche activity is odd

I should have addressed the OP - got too distracted by other comments.

You’re certainly not a sad twat, @ReallyFuckingHopeThisWorksOut and I think you know that. However you’re feeling fragile so you’re projecting a bit and imagining that people see you the way you’re feeling right now.

I often eat out alone when I’m traveling and of course going into a cafe on your own whilst out shopping would be really normal, surely no one bats an eyelid at that?!

I do this a lot, when away with work and when I'm at home. I don't give a flying fuck what anyone thinks about it and I certainly don't consider myself in any way sad. I also gleefully go to the cinema alone.

What you’ve described are the only things I miss about previous roles I’ve had which took me all over the UK (and sometimes to Europe). Did a bit of homework before I went, and used my time to explore some places I’d probably never have thought to visit otherwise.

I never felt self-conscious eating on my own, would read/jot down thoughts about stuff - it actually felt quite liberating. In European countries, I also felt brave enough to give my VERY limited knowledge of local languages a go (with mixed success!) which I wouldn’t have done if I was with a colleague.

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I run a restaurant and eating alone is very common and not subject of comment. (Unlike rudeness)
There are a million of reasons why people may need a meal while not having company. Don't over think this

I do and I enjoy it. I see plenty of others doing the same. I have found that sometimes restaurant staff thoughtlessly try to seat me facing a wall, for example, at a table for two! I just walk to other side of the table if that kind of thing happens.

I ate out alone today. No-one gave me a funny look. I've been eating out alone for over 30 years, ever since I started my first job in a strange town where I knew no-one. It never occurred to me until a few years ago anyone even thought it was a problem.

I do, on occasion dine in company with dH or friends but actually enjoy eating alone.

I would never go out to eat on my own, just because when I go out to eat its more as an activity to do with someone, like I go out with friends or a partner to see them and share a meal.
I am not really adventurous with food, and I don't really care about it so I dont think I would enjoy being there on my own. Also its expensive to eat out, so I would only do it if I was with other people or it would feal a bit pointless.
I wouldn't judge someone for it, but then I don't recall ever noticing someone eating alone

I do it. I don't think it's at all sad. I love doing things on my own - gigs, cinema etc. I do have friends but it feels like more of a treat for me to do things alone. I actually think it's sad if someone can't do anything alone.

I'm doing it right now! Ama

Fuck it! Was fab 👌

Oh and the owner was lovely and helpful. It turned out to be a very quiet place to eat (I'm away) and I think earlier on he was probably just surprised as there was no need for me to phone and book first.

I do think on Mumsnet most posters who declare "oh yes I eat out alone all the time" really mean they'll have a coffee and sandwich/cake" or at a push go for a lunch in a cafe.

In terms of eating out alone in an actual decent restaurant at dinner time...I never see women doing this. But no it's not sad or pathetic and anybody who think it is are clearly deeply insecure.

I used to eat out alone on business all the time and I LOVED it. I miss it. I often found I’d get better service. I’d just sit there reading a book whilst waiting for the food and the waiting staff were always really friendly. Admittedly I would be in Canary Wharf a lot so I think they were pretty used to solo diners, but still.

I might go out for lunch on my own tomorrow come to think of it.

I travel loads for work and always eat on my own in decent restaurants when I’m away. Don’t give two hoots what anyone else thinks! I enjoy food and am not going to sit in a hotel room and have room-service when there’s so many fantastic restaurants to try out there.

I happily eat out alone, at restaurants, at dinner time. Glass of wine or two as well.

Or I used to, anyway. Nowadays I hardly go out to eat at all tbf - I can do better at home, most of the time, than what our local eateries provide. DH and I go out together 2, maybe 3 times a year and that’s it.

Well here's one woman who does exactly that, plenty more on this thread too....

I don’t know why some posters are so determined to think women saying they eat out alone are lying about it.