to think sitting in a pub drinking on your own for 5 hours is an abnormal thing to do

[aisoft]

Me and DP went shopping today and popped into Walkabout at about about 3:45 to get some food before going home. My little brother was in there drinking on his own and he had several empty pint glasses on his table. I asked him about this and he said he'd come down to watch the football at 1, he's a Spurs fan and his team were playing at 1:30 but then he was staying on to watch the next game which kicked off at 4, this means he would have been there nearly 5 hours drinking alone incessantly. I think this is very strange thing to do but DP thinks its no big deal as he's just relaxing on a Sunday and I'm being a nag and a busybody.

I have sat in pubs for hours with a book and a bottle of wine.

How is that any different?

Haven't got that kind of time now, but if I did, I would.

The only difference is the entertainment.

What? Personally I think it's weird that you think it's weird.

It isn't that women on their own is so much thought of as strange, its the constant chatting up that is the problem and men seeing you as fair game. It can be a problem, when I go out with one of my female friends we often go to gay clubs, to be out of that atmosphere. The smaller, more friendly pubs have closed that were "my locals".

Yeah on a night out in a pub women (lone or not) can get harrassed!

But just generally spending a quiet day in a pub like has been discussed, I don't think a lone woman is too likely to get constantly chatted up. I certainly haven't been unless I've been completely naive when I have sat in a pub on my own for an afternoon (or even quiet evening) I've just had friendly people talk to me (male and female, and either I or them have started the conversation)

From experiences within my family, I'd say the only people who are happy to sit drinking, alone, for hours on end are alcoholics.

Callycat, sorry you have found that to be your experience within your family.

However its really not the case.

Not weird at all - I've got lots of male friends (and my little brother) who do this regularly.

I think the whole idea that drinking alone suggests a problem is a very outdated one. I lived alone for a number of years - does this mean I should never have had a glass of wine with dinner, or while watching a film on a Saturday night?

Fishing and bird watching can involve hours of 'sitting' not doing much. Neither do anything for me but I can see that it is nice to sit, relax and be lost in your thoughts.

Yeah, I was a bit rash. Sorry, I should not have implied that everyone who does this is an alcoholic.

'Tis a sore point with me. I'll shush now.

are you going to tell on him?

Not that unusual unless he was doing it everyday. I know loads of fella's who go to the pub on their own and watch the footy.

perfectly normal
i wouldnt think twice about going to the bar by myself if nobody else wanted to go out

I don't think it's strange. When I travel I love nothing more than to find a nice bar/pub with outdoor tables, and sit and drink some local wine whilst watching the crowds go by, which I find interesting. You usually end up being invited to join a group, or end up chatting with people.