How to Eat Out Alone
Eating alone can feel awkward but sometimes there is no way around it. You might be traveling out of town or just have the need to get out. An advantage of eating out is that you can choose wherever you want to eat without considering anyone else's feelings or opinions. And you get the dessert all to yourself. There are a few ways to make eating out alone less uncomfortable. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose the restaurant where you will dine alone. Do not choose a popular date restaurant. Choose a restaurant with a bar or one that caters to business people.
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Pick the time to eat carefully as well. Early dinner hours or late hours are best. The prime dinner hours will be busier which might make you feel more ill at ease. Unfortunately, it can also mean your waiter will be less than thrilled to have a single diner in his section.
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Request a specific table when you arrive. Scan the restaurant and find a table that is out of the flow of traffic and offers a good people-watching view. Ask the host politely if that table is available.
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Eat at the bar if you don't want to sit among the other diners. In Europe, they have common tables where single patrons can gather together and feel welcome. Americans have bar seating in lieu of the common table.
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Talk to your waiter. Don't interrupt her work but participate in pleasant small talk. Ask about the area, the restaurant or the menu.
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Bring a book, journal or work with you. With more restaurants being fitted with Wi-Fi, people are used to seeing work being done at the table. Busy yourself with a pleasurable activity.
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People watch. Don't stare but take note of the other patrons. Who do you think is on a first date? Who has been married for years? Enjoy your surroundings.
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Make the time just for you. Enjoy your dinner. Order dessert and savor it. Pay the bill that is significantly less than if you were on a date or with your family.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't overwhelm your waiter or your neighbors with idle chatter. It is better to say less than to annoy your co-diners.
