To go by myself?

[RoseMartha]

I had an email today about 50% off main course at Toby. Mon-Thurs.
So as my teens like a roast there and we hadnt been since last summer.
I suggested we went early one evening.

I wish I hadnt bothered as they said no as it will be boring with the 3 of us and that only if it is a big family get together and you can just cook us one.

I said some people go on their own, at which point they said that was for losers.

I explained I thought it was a nice family thing to do as a treat and I was hurt they said not interested.

Aibu to go on my own while they have dinner at their dads one night.

I love dining alone, less talking more eating!

Course people go to restaurants alone and the cinema I’ve seen it dozens of times I personally haven’t . It’s probably more common mon-thurs usually sales reps eating at night , I’ve eaten a few times mid week in a restaurant near premier inn so it’s common there .no big deal you’ve got to eat it’s not always a social thing .

Absolutely do not do it when they are at their dad’s. Go one evening when they are at yours. Enjoy yourself and leave them to fend for themselves.

I don't think there's any need for some posters to insult or look down on people who prefer not to do things alone that are generally seen to be social. Even those who do, have some things that they're comfortable with and some they're not.

I love travelling alone and independently. I'm a solo backpacker. But even when travelling, I mostly eat street food or at small cafes. I don't like eating alone in a restaurant. I'm not sure why, but it doesn't work for me.
A lot of people hate the idea of travelling alone, but I don't think less of them or think they have low self esteem. They just have different preferences.
In the UK I don't eat out alone beyond somewhere like a Costa or a Pret, and get out as soon as I'm done. And that's okay too.

But absolutely go and have your roast OP. There's nothing odd about it. It's just about individual preference.

@AHungryCaterpillar

Yeh cinema is another one I would never go to alone!

I've gone to the cinema alone and if I manage to catch the first showing of the day of a movie, it is very possible that I might even have the whole cinema to myself. It's happened on more than one occasion. Felt like my own private screening of the movie!!! I loved it!!!

Ahh you sound like a lovely caring Mum. Your teens are being so ungrateful and miserable. They'll grow out of that behaviour and you'll reap the rewards. In the meantime, definitely go by yourself or with a friend and have a well deserved night off.

you can just cook us one

How rude of them

Love eating in restaurants on my own. I take a book, and enjoy a great meal.

Toby carvery is one of the restaurants I go to where I would say half the tables are people eating alone, well certainly at my closest one. I would be going and taking advantage of the offer and getting a slice of chocolate fudge cake while I'm there! Actually op I'm pretty annoyed at this because my voucher this week was only for 40% off 😜

I've eaten at restaurants on my own sometimes and I've enjoyed it. But something about a Toby Carvery would put me off, I think it's because it seems like such a family-oriented place.

@LookItsMeAgain solo cinema trips are a treat. I prefer them to going with other people.

This thread has made me check times / viewings at my local cinema - unfortunately there’s nothing on I want to see. Boo.

Go OP, eating out alone is fine and the movies are THE BEST on your own!

Based on their reactions, I think I'd go alone but not on a night when they are at their dad's. They can either decide to accompany you or they can sort out their own meal at home.

@GreyCarpet

Would you tell us a little about going to festivals solo? I haven't done that yet. Do you camp? I'm considering it this year, there's a local-ish festival I like the look of.

Dinner alone sounds lovely and peaceful. Take a book OP, enjoy a glass of wine too.

I love solo cinema and theatre trips too though. I can watch what I want when I want with no debates.

I'm always astonished when people say "I could never do that". I'm not sure why they have such crippling social anxiety. No one else cares if you're out alone.

We're just back from a family holiday where every lunch and dinner was 13 of us!! It was total chaos and took forever for everyone to get seated and ordered and then finish eating!! Sounds blissful to think of a restaurant and only me myself and I 😂

@OmgIThinkILikeYou I really love your Christmas ritual. I felt happy for you reading it!

I do loads of things on my own; theatre, cinema, eating out, exhibitions ...

I find it far more enjoyable than going with someone that doesn't want to be there as much as you do. You don't have to worry about whether the other person is enjoying it and can go at your own pace.

@AHungryCaterpillar

I wouldn’t and have never gone out to a restaurant alone, people say they do all the time on here but honestly I don’t know anyone that does.

Well that is very sad for you and the those you know. Taking yourself on a date somewhere is one of the nicest things. No compromising on anything. It's bliss. Shock horror I have even been on holiday on my own too. Now they really were bloody wonderful

@drpet49

*I wouldn’t and have never gone out to a restaurant alone, people say they do all the time on here but honestly I don’t know anyone that does.*

^This

How come?

@frustratedashell

I'm off on a cruise alone in April. First time, I'm excited but also slightly apprehensive but I'm sure once I'm on board it will be fine

I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time. I love cruises and wouldn’t think twice about going on one on my own.

I have been to restaurants, cinemas and rugby matches on my own in my time. Doesn’t bother me.

I'm not sure why they have such crippling social anxiety.

Again, as per my previous post, there's no need to look down on people who have different preferences and ascribe disorders to them that there is no sensible reason to assume that they have.

Some people are very social animals, some enjoy their own company. For some, like me, it depends on context and situation. I love travelling alone, but eating is a shared activity for me.

@AHungryCaterpillar

I wouldn’t and have never gone out to a restaurant alone, people say they do all the time on here but honestly I don’t know anyone that does.

Are you unusually timid, self-conscious or averse to your own company?

My dd was at a party a few weeks ago and it was a drop and go but too far to go home. So l took myself off and had a lovely pub lunch whist doing the crossword. Absolute heaven and l will def do it again.

I've been to Toby Carvery on my own when i was working away. Don't think I'd do it any other time and i usually stick to eating in the hotel if i'm on my own but I love a roast and it was only a few doors down from the hotel!

Definitely go. Enjoy yourself. Take a book or magazine
Sounds perfectly devine.