To ask if you go out for lunch solo?

[Hesxboon]

I have a day to myself Tomorow well afternoon once dd is in nursery. Really want to get my eyebrows sorted and go for lunch, maybe a bit of shopping. Why do I feel like I’m strange for going on my own? Especially lunch. Does anyone else do this? My dd is a handful and I never really get time to myself or to relax, or when I do I just do housework or the endless washing I have most days. Would you find someone lunching on their own odd? Or am I overthinking it?

OK let's translate what you've written into what you're actually saying....

Dear Mumsnet users, I think people who do stuff alone are fucking weird losers. I think all single people should not be allowed out of the house until they get a partner or husband as we don't want them lowering the tone of our society. Don't you agree?

I was always on the road - choice between a sandwich in the car, or a hot meal in a cafe/restaurant, no competition. I was quite often staying in a hotel over night, so would have dinner on my own. If you feel a little self conscious, a book or a notepad and pen are useful to hide behind.
I have had a meal in a pub on my own, but I always thought that was a bit more conspicuous, and I didn't want to stand out, when there was a perfectly good restaurant near by. That's my choice, though, you may prefer a pub.

No, I wouldn't think it odd at all. When I've had the opportunity, I've eaten out alone. I did find that after years of having a partner, I was self conscious eating out alone, but after a couple of times, I got over it. Go, and enjoy yourself!

I never have but I'd love too!

You're massively overthinking it.

Absolutely. I go out for dinner on my own too sometimes and I holiday solo. It’s wonderful. I eat with Dh and dc plenty! It’s nice to have some peace to eat what you really want.

I do everything alone and love it! Live, travel, lunch, dinner, cinema. I find people in restaurants often chat if you're alone but I've never felt judged.

Depending on what type of restaurant or pub, make sure they don't park you at a table next to the kitchen door or toilets entrance.

I have been lunching solo for years. If out shopping on my own or dh out doing something else and knowing he will be getting his own lunch. Often pop in for a solo coffee as now retired.

Sorry, what? You've never gone out for lunch on your own, how is this even possible? And if you'd love to then why in the name of all that's holy don't you? This is not like never having been to x country, or never having jumped out of a plane. It is about as accessible as going to a supermarket. Do it today!

I've been going for lunch/coffee regularly on my own for over 30 years. If anyone ever thought it was "odd" that's their issue, not mine. I couldn't give a fuck.

The one thing that annoys me is when waiters say "just you?". There is no "just" about me

Oh yes this is another good time! I have a fave coffee shop near the groomers, bliss.

Unfair.
Are you a man?
I'm a young woman and, while I certainly do things alone, I have to plan and prepare before I do.
Eating alone or visiting a pub alone are 2 of the most difficult things.

Well, go do it.

Unless there's a medical or financial reason why you can't, I'd say you absolutely should and enjoy every minute.

To be fair, eating out and visiting bars in the company of other women is not enough to deter some men. AirPods and a book or kindle or other device can help, also pretending one can’t speak or understand English.

Eh ?

Why would you ask this poster if they are a man?

There are 5 pages of us saying 'how is this even a question'.

What has being a woman or being a man got to do with it ? Surely everyone has stopped for a bite to eat when shopping, or visiting an attraction, or on their way on holiday, or when between clients at work, or (as above) waiting for the dog to be groomed, or car services, or whatever reason you might need to hang about somewhere.

That's hilarious. No, I'm a woman in my 50s who has been doing things on my own since my mid teens. Lunch out alone is such a non-event. What on earth is there to plan and prepare or do risk assessment for? The idea that a 'young woman' 🙄 is in some special category of human is bizarre to me. Are you implying that you are so flaming hot that you will be plagued by men of all ages just waiting for an opportunity to harass you for being brave enough to eat alone. I am fairly decent looking, was even on the better end of attractive in my day and never had such issues. Honestly, 99.999% of people couldn't care less what you do and the rest, who cares?

Just had flat white and sandwich in my favourite art gallery cafe because of this thread noticed a few others on their own.as Tom Jones said it's not .. Unusual.😎

@NPET What do you have to plan and prepare for? And why did you ask that poster if she is a man?

There seems to be an influx of women in their 50s and 60s over the last weeks, insisting that men harassing women isn't a problem and that they don't believe women when they say it happens

Very odd.

I’m out for coffee and a light bite today on my own after some shopping
Ive a book I want to finish the last chapter of and this will be the perfect opportunity

Which posts do you believe are not genuine and have you reported them?

I've reported them and they've been removed on other threads.

Thank you for clarifying.

No I don't consider myself to be hot. But men seem to. I'm surprised you find it so easy to be alone. Maybe I will one day.