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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you go to a restaurant alone?

109 replies

Insanityismymiddlename · 23/09/2014 17:47

Just that really, I fancy a specific meal from my local rotisserie but don't want to look stupid going by myself, DH can't come as he would have the DCs, DP is working and I don't really have many friends less that would be avalible short notice.

OP posts:
RebeccaCloud9 · 23/09/2014 18:14

(fascinated by the DP and DH situation)... Smile

Sp1rals · 23/09/2014 18:15

Iced finger I suspect that's the point of the thread.

Ragwort · 23/09/2014 18:15

Of course no one will think it's strange, they probably won't notice as most people are totally wrapped up in themselves Grin. And if they do notice, why would you care what a random stranger thinks?

ScrambledEggAndToast · 23/09/2014 18:17

I want to know about the DH/DP thing too, bugger the restaurant. I don't think you can casually say something like that on MN and expect to get away without an explanation Grin

Original poster
Insanityismymiddlename · 23/09/2014 18:17

Sp1rls feel free to think what you like I merely stated it as I have no one to go with and the usual suspects are otherwise engaged.

OP posts:
AnAwfullyGoodOxymoron · 23/09/2014 18:18

I've gone on my own before, and I liked it.

skylark2 · 23/09/2014 18:18

Struggling with the concept that anyone who casually says she has both a DP and a DH would be concerned with how it looks to go to a restaurant alone, I'm afraid.

Nobody will care. Do you think people who live alone never go out or something?

Original poster
Insanityismymiddlename · 23/09/2014 18:21

Haha skylark they are two very seperate things in my life, going out in public or the contents of my household are worlds apart.

But very good point about people who live alone never thought of it that way.

OP posts:
Sp1rals · 23/09/2014 18:23

I think that's disingenuous. If I casually dropped into a thread about going out that neither my girlfriend or boyfriend was available I would know that people would ask about it. Indeed , that would probably be the reason I started the thread, so people would ask me.
Nothing wrong with that, you're free to want people to ask you, but to me it smacked of stealth, if not boasting, then stealth pointing out.

Enb76 · 23/09/2014 18:24

I love going to restaurants on my own. I people watch. I like to think I'm subtle but I'm probably horribly blatant.

Vitalstatistix · 23/09/2014 18:24

To answer your question, no, I wouldn't but that's just because I don't enjoy eating out alone. If I just want to eat, I'll cook. Eating out is more about socialising than food for me.

But, again, that's just me. There's nothing wrong with eating out alone. If you want to, why shouldn't you?

Viviennemary · 23/09/2014 18:25

I did a double take when I saw the DH and DP. I exjpect the OP does appreciate some me time. I don't mind eating in a cafe but not a restaurant.

MmeGuillotine · 23/09/2014 18:25

Oh yes, I do this all the time as it's either go to a restaurant alone or eat sadly eat something awful in my hotel room. To be honest, I really enjoy it as there's no pressure to make small talk and I can read a book and just drink gin chill out a bit. It can feel a bit decadent depending on the restaurant, but there's nothing wrong with that. :)

I'm never the only solo diner either (in fact, there's usually plenty) so I really wouldn't worry about it, OP. :)

MmeGuillotine · 23/09/2014 18:27

Oh and most of my friends seem to be in polyamorous relationships so no questions from me, OP! Grin

Latara · 23/09/2014 18:28

Ok. How do you find 2 decent men when I can't even find 1? It's not fairrrrr!

Latara · 23/09/2014 18:29

And yes, go to the restaurant alone, I've seen lots of people do it - I've been to restaurants alone for the lunch menus.

OnlyLovers · 23/09/2014 18:29

YANBU. I love eating out alone. I normally go to more informal places though, and while I'll happily sit and read the paper or a book during the day I don't like to when I'm eating dinner, so I ideally go somewhere I can sit at a counter or similar; I do feel a bit odd sitting at a table for two alone. Sushi/general Japanese places are good for this, or tapas-type bars. Don't know if your rotisserie has this set-up so that may be utterly unhelpful! Grin

partyskirt · 23/09/2014 18:29

Yes - it's a lovely thing to do!

partyskirt · 23/09/2014 18:32

The restaurant thing I mean, not the polyamory!

SomethingOnce · 23/09/2014 18:36

I wanted spicy food to bring on labour, but DP was working late.

I dined alone.

It's very liberating. Do it!

Bulbasaur · 23/09/2014 18:37

I've gone alone plenty of times. No one's felt sorry for me, and I've enjoyed a meal just fine. I've even gone to the movies alone.

Nothing wrong with it.

Now tell us more about this DP and DH thing going on. Grin

LoveBeingAwakeInTheNight · 23/09/2014 18:39

If I had a Dh and a dp I'd want to go out on my own as well (will they be eating together? Grin )

seasavage · 23/09/2014 18:46

Well it's not the mnetter I know with a DP and DH. ... could it mean Dear Parents?

raffle · 23/09/2014 18:48

During the day I certainly would, but would be less likely to do it in the evening. You have two men and they are both too busy to take you out? Time to look for a third :D

TinyDancingHoofer · 23/09/2014 18:55

I love going out to eat on my own, the staff are usually more attentive as well probably cos they feel sorry for me!