Do you mind eating at a restaurant by yourself?

montana_girl

I ask because on Thursday evenings, my husband and I always go out to dinner. He is out of town today, so I am going to go by myself. But I've had several friends who have made comments like, "All alone? Why not just get something to go and eat it at home?"

For me the whole point to eating out is, well, to eat out. Seems silly to pay for a nice meal, have them shove into a Styrofoam container, take it home and put it on a plate that I will have to wash. Plus the food never tastes as good. Might as well just make something at home. Plus, the wait staff knows me at the restaurant I'm going to (we go there a lot) so if they see me eating alone, and they have the time, they will stop by the table to chat with me. So I don’t really feel like I’m eating alone. I know a lot of people hate eating out alone, but it’s not that big of a deal to me.

What about you? Do you eat out alone? Or get the food to go?

askeates

I don't go out to eat very frequently, but when I do it is usually to meet friends. I have gone out alone on occassion, but it's just not as much fun.

_MG_

Either depending on my mood. It doesn't bother me at all to sit by myself for a meal.

TheSwoleMinister

If you aren't comfortable eating out alone then grab a friend, or just cook at home.

Ihatecoldsoup

I don't mind eating out alone, at all. If I am hungry for something I cannot (or too lazy to) cook. I will head out. Doesn't seem that big of a deal

ComradeTovarich

Am I hungry? Then yes.

willboywonder

I never mind that. It's a time for personal solitude. I even have gone to see movies by myself too. I don't mind at all.

Booksandbeaches

Don't mind it at all. I've done it when on business travel. But it isn't much fun to eat by myself at a restaurant.

Mobilemuscle

I literally do it everyday

TheCounselorx

I don't mind eating alone, its easier if its where people away alone on bsuiness eat - So what I do, take a book or the modern day book (phone/Tablet).

Maybe give someone a smile too, they may chat with you - so long as it's not a old perv like me who will take it as a come-on lol

1PatientBear

I eat out alone all the time. I bring a book, read and eat my food. Doesn't bother me in the slightest.

tchell99

Nope, not a bit. I will usually sit at the bar, if there is one, and have met some pretty interesting people that way.

pettychia

Nope, I don't mind it. I spend the time people-watching or if it's a casual place sometimes I'll bring a book.

Some_Watery_Tart

I enjoy going out to eat alone sometimes. But I have 5 kids, so I also enjoy getting to go the bathroom alone.

Anyway, go if you want to. Take a book or a magazine, or just people watch.

majica8

I've never done it, but I don't think it would bother me. I'm not a very social person anyway so I'd probably prefer it tbh.

willboywonder

Also, it's been my experience that friends and family can really be quite messy. Don't let them be the source to your feeling that way. Say thank you to those people and do as you please. You'll be much happier.

zyxst

I can eat alone, but I prefer to get take-out.

scubasuenc

Nope. I used to travel for work a lot. I just take my Kindle along and read.

stetienne

I'm on the road a lot for work, so I end up eating by myself often. Best advice: eat at the bar...less conspicuous and usually better service from a friendly bartender

Mia_RagazzaTosta

When I traveled for work, I did. I usually sat at the bar. The quiet was nice at first, but by the third week, I was over it.

lizsmith1976

I don't mind at all! I used to travel for work 30-40% of the year and eating alone in a hotel room is NO fun. I typically find a nice place that also has a bar - you never know who you will meet sitting at the bar, and usually the bartender will talk to you too. Or take a book or magazine or just play on your phone.

You enjoy that meal!