Talk About It: Dining Alone

March 18, 2013

I love dining out, and while I always enjoy good company, I'm not really one to shy away from eating by myself. Armed with a good book, magazine, or journal, I can eat at the places I like, and take my time doing it. And if I don't want to split an appetizer I don't have to; I can enjoy it all to myself!

Recently I discovered that I have a few friends who have never, and swear they will never dine in public by themselves. They have made a solemn vow that if they ever find themselves without a dining partner, then it's strictly takeout. There seems to be some stigma attached with eating alone in a public place, but I just don't know what it is or why. 

And so I ask, would you eat in a restaurant or cafe by yourself? Or is there some shame in enjoying a good meal alone? And if there is some shame, embarrassment, or shyness involved, what would it take to shake that fear and go enjoy a nice lunch or dinner on your own now and then? Let's talk about this, ladies.


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14 comments:

  1. I don't have a problem eating by myself, sometimes those are the times when I just want to have me time. When I'm eating alone I can take all the time in the world and really enjoy my food; not that when I'm out with my hubby or girls I don't enjoy my food conversation gets in the way.

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    1. I agree. I always love going out to dinner with my hubby or girlfriends, especially if we're trying a new restaurant. But occasionally I just want a little me time, and having a nice lunch or dinner sans distraction is a great way to unwind.

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  2. I love to dine. It's a great opportunity to reflect, indulge, people watch, whatever! It takes a certain level of confidence and self-assurance to be able to do it.. and not everyone has it! ;)

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    1. So true about indulging! I'm all about creme brulee when I'm by myself.

      I think you may be right about the confidence. Not to say that women who don't like to dine alone aren't confident, perhaps they're just more confident in other settings.

      Thanks for weighing in!

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    2. Unfortunately, i was that person that looked at people who dine alone as loners and i would feel sorry 4 them. As i matured, i realized that some people choose and even prefer eating alone. I have done it. I don't prefer it and would never do it without a book or tablet. Otherwise, I'd just be staring at other people that are staring at me wondering if i had a choice in eating alone. Lol... Its all about a person's self esteem!!!

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    3. Ha! I love that you used to feel sorry for people who were eating alone. That's hilarious!

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  3. As with the above comments, I have no problem with dining alone. With the career that I have, let's just say it comes with the territory. I enjoy this time that I have alone. It is time to reflect upon day, no interruptions. I love to dine alone, as well as go to the movies alone. Once again, just more time to spend with ME!

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    1. I get it as far as career. When I worked in an office, it wasn't always easy to coordinate lunches with colleagues, so there were times when I would venture out on my own and explore downtown to find new places. It was actually a lot of fun!

      Thanks for chatting with us!

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  4. Oh I Totally eat by myself every once in a while, but I have to say, I prefer a friend there... I went to the movies solo a few weeks ago and that is a place that I feel too weird going to alone!

    xx
    Holly Foxen Wells
    GlamourMash

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    1. Ha! I've gone to the movies by myself a few times too. It's always nice to have a companion.

      Thanks for weighing in!

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  5. I remember it like it like it yesterday when, in fact, it was 18 years ago. With book in hand, I got in my car and proceeded down 11th avenue in Handford ,Ca. I was going to the Sizzler ( I'd seen a lady eating there alone one time so I figured, If she can do it, so can I). The closer I got to the Sizzler, the sweatier my palms got. Finally, one block away, I pulled into the driveway of the Carl's Jr., ordered my burger and onion rings and headed back home. That was my "first experience.". The second time I started out again, this time, I not only made it to the Sizzler, I actually went in, sat in a small booth for two, and enjoyed my meal. After that, not only did I go to restaurants to eat, I went to movies, on trips to New York, cruises, and over the years, every place couples go, just not as a couple. It's surprisingly not as difficult as it
    seems. Bottom line, once you take that first step, the sky is the limit!

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    1. That's awesome that you went back and tried again! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I work in a office all by my lonesome for most of the day, so dining alone for lunch is my only option. I pull out my tablet, log on to Netflix and watch a episode of Ugly Betty while I eat, its great!

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Thank you so much for your comments! I always enjoy reading them.
xo,
Angelica

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