to think sitting in a pub, drinking alone is quite a sad thing to do

[dryu]

Me and DH went out to a pub yesterday afternoon and in the pub there were at least 8 men sat at tables on their own drinking. I've noticed this before and you never see women doing this and I think its quite sad to just be sat there drinking on your own. DH disagrees though and says that maybe they just enjoy a quiet Pint or two. AIBU?

I don't think one should assume that a couple not speaking is sad. They may be very content being quiet in each other's company without the need for conversation.

Also, (sorry, the OP has riled me a little!) I live alone, which absolutely suits me. I love it. But there are evenings when I get home after work and just need a little bit of someone else's company. Obviously I wouldn't expect my friends to jump as and when I need them, so sometimes it means having a wander out for a quiet pint and a chat. £2.10 for a pint and a bit of socialising isn't a bad deal, IMO. :)

I think it's a shame that there are still women around that don't like going into a pub on their own in this day and age.

I think it is more common for women to do this nowadays. What I can't stand is when there is a group of people and one of them is laughing really loudly in a 'look how much fun I'm having everyone' kind of laugh. Do fuck off.

I love going for a peaceful drink on my own sometimes. I will take the paper with me, and mind my own business. I am not lonely, I am actually enjoying some time by myself.

On holiday, my husband and I often go our separate ways for a couple of hours in the afternoon, as spending 24/7 with someone can be a bit much.. he will find a bar that is showing some sport, I will find one that is overlooking the beach and I can read my book, I dont think there is anything sad about it at all.

Its none of your business, if they enjoy it then they should be free to do so without being judged. Also the pub trade is in decline so any and all customers are most welcome.

FermezLaBouche- Where do you live? Can't get a pint for anything less than £3.20 where I live

My job is literally spent all day talking to people- often on my way home I think it would be lovely to just go and sit in a quiet pub with a drink- just to think restful thoughts.
Alas I don't drink and the pubs round my way are as rough as guts. But what is sad is to make judgements about other people because they are QUIET.

It all depends on what you're used to, I suppose. I travel regularly with work so am used to spending lots of time on my own on flights, in airports, hotel bars and restaurants etc.

But I have friends who tell me they would feel uncomfortable with this.

I have met some lovely random people like this over the years and had some really interesting conversations.

There is a massive difference OP between alone and lonely.

It is possible to be perfectly happy sitting alone with a drink gazing out the window. It is also true that you can feel the loneliest person in the world sat across the table from your DP.

It's very nice to sit in a pub/cafe/restaurant on your own. I am quite happy with my own inane thoughts.

I'm another one who likes a solitary pint from time to time - because one of my jobs is leaflet delivering, which means working alone, I do sometimes pop into the nearest pub at the end of a drop, or in the middle, for a sandwich and a half. Nothing sad about it at all.

ailoun I know what you mean. Just moved away from a town where pints were exactly £3.20 - it was v depressing. I live in Durham now and pints in this particular pub are £2.10 This was a major factor in moving back

LadyBeagleEyes - I agree, but there are some rough pubs out there. I've been in some places and known the second I've gone through the door that some deranged letch or drunken idiot is going to try to talk to me. I reckon most people would feel uncomfortable gonig in places like this!

I'd imagine that it is often these people that keep some pubs afloat.

YABVU most of them are probably just enjoying some peace and quiet away from the missus.

Also you see far more men than women I suspect because women sat in pubs drinking alone are probably judged even harsher by people like the OP than men are.

Exactly what hammy said these regulars are keeping the pub afloat. The are also not lonely, from working in pubs most people come in order their drink have a conversation with the bar tender and others in the pub and then retreat to their seat for peace and quiet. I would love to go and sit in the pub for a few hours alone as others have said bliss.

Perhaps I am walking round with my blinkers on but I have never got any funny looks or hostile treatment from being a lone woman in a pub.

Mind you I never get chatted up either. It's this hatchet-face.

Don't see the problem, though I'd prefer a hot chocolate or maybe lunch in a quiet restaurant.

then not than

What would you thought if it was women, not men, sitting alone OP?

Porr old jossers, it could the high spot of their day.
YABVU

I would like a pint now.

Ladybeagleeyes- I would think exactly the same if it were women instead of men

*be

I worked in a pub when I was a student and lots of blokes came in every night, straight from work, for a few pints before going home. Nowt wrong with that.

YABU, I do this on occasion. A copy of Hello and a glass of dry white. Vair nice thank you