not to share my table at outdoor cafe

[ShirleyEyeRosebud]

Went to my favourite cafe with my lovely dog for a relaxing Sunday morning brunch fry up.
All the tables were occupied, so we stood feeling a bit self-conscious waiting for about 20 minutes for a table to become free. In the meantime, a kind couple did ask if I wanted to share their table, but I didn’t want to disturb their relaxing morning so I said thanks for the offer but it’s ok.
So, eventually a table became free so I left my bag there to reserve it and went inside the cafe with the hound to order. When I was queuing up to order a woman asked if I had finished with my table so I said no I have just arrived. She then said are there many of you (obviously not) or can we share your table?
I said Sorry I have been waiting for a table and I would rather have it to myself.

AIBU?

Yabu and very rude. One person can't take a six person table.

Why not be so precious that you think other people should wait around whilst you hog a table for 6?

I think you'll find one person can absolutely do that.

Well they could always go somewhere else if there isn't a table available for them. Which in this case, there wasn't.

Yes YABU and No YANBU IMO

Yes, YABU in that you should never ever bag a table with your bag and then go and order. You should get your refreshments ordered THEN go and sit down. Otherwise the queue is full of people, tables empty but full of bags, and nobody can sit down. If you order first, then next table available is yours.

But no YANBU you're perfectly entitled not to share the table however you can let the chairs go.

Well they "can" (a) if they are so precious that they think it's ok or (b) I suppose they could buy food and drinks for their 5 imaginary friends.

So you have to stand there with a tray of drinks getting cold for 20minutes waiting for a table? That makes no sense.

Except there was a table available. The only thing making the table unavailable was the OP's bizarrely selfish and precious mindset.

It’s fair enough. Not everyone has a social group or feels the need for one. Why should a single person be less entitled to a table?

In practice though, some people will be annoyed at you because they don’t understand why anyone would appreciate being alone.

Nothing to do with being precious. They got there first, they ordered their food, it is ok not to want to sit with others.

If others get there later and need a big table it's a case of waiting or going elsewhere.

And obviously no need to buy food and drink for imaginary friends. What a stupid suggestion.

There wasn't a table available. Because the op was using it.

OP had a table. No one said she couldn't have a table. I often eat out on my own. I can't imagine the mindset that thinks that makes me entitled to take up a table that would sit 6 people in an outdoor picnic area.

Honestly how do some of you manage to get through the day?

There was a table available. The OP was using one sixth of it. I'm gobsmacked by the selfish, narrow minded responses on here and I often eat solo.

Oh well, you can gladly say yes to people when they want to join you at the table Natasha.

And for those who don't want to eat with strangers, they can say no. I'll definitely say no, I don't want to share a table ☺️

YABU

Indeed, @NatashaDancing - do you think these people refuse to share bus or train seats, the chairs next to them in a waiting room?

No more stupid than thinking a 6 seater outdoor picnic table was for the OP's exclusive use. Of course it's precious.

Oh I'm sure they do. And make all sorts of huffing and puffing noises if you ask them to shift their bags.

Not quite the same is it. Obviously. Otherwise people wouldn't feel compelled to ask if they can sit at someone else's table, before doing so. The same rules don't apply in waiting rooms or on trains.

Well clearly it was. And they knew that. Otherwise they wouldn't have asked to share would they.

Well clearly it was. And they knew that. Otherwise they wouldn't have asked to share would they.

Sometimes it's a mere formality, I'd just sit down regardless. It's not your private space.

It's literally a formality, not an actual request.

They're even closer, aren't they? It just seems a strange objection, but obviously the OP feels very strongly otherwise..

@SquirrelFan its hard enough coming to terms with a life changing diagnosis without being expected to share symptoms with a stranger to justify using an available seat at a table provided for patrons of the establishment.

YABU, a cafe owner doesn’t want a:single occupant hogging a table for six!