Table for one

[breakinglight11]

I dined out alone the other night. While I often go out alone, rarely do I ever have dinner in a sit down restaurant by myself. It's not really the culture of such places, they're always vaguely surprised when you walk in and hold up just one finger at the host.

There are episodes of Frasier and Sex and the City that suggest that dining out alone is one of the most unpleasant things a person can do, as if it's supposed to be an indicator of abject pathos. But I found it to be completely relaxing. As an introvert I recharge by being alone, and the restaurant provided a quiet, comfortable atmosphere where I could do so while getting a bite without having to cook or clean. Nobody gave me a second glance; certainly nobody whispered or looked askance in pity the way TV shows would have you believe. I sat by the window and watched the crowds go by, and played with my phone as I ate. A woman nearby was wearing Opium, a scent I associate with my mother. The waiter smiled at me, in the way strangers smile at you when they think you're pretty. With the amount of tension I've been carrying around, it was nice to find the experience so relaxing. For budgetary reasons I don't go out to eat very often, but if I can swing it, it might be nice to do it alone every once in a while.

Comments

[contradictacat.livejournal.com]

I love eating alone- I wish my finances had more room for taking myself out to a fancy restaurant. I like being able to focus on my food and order things that I wouldn't normally, were I out with other people.

Going to the movies alone though- that I won't do. Media is meant to be shared, and talked and mulled over together. The consuming of food is a much more solitary experience.

Eating alone

[denimskater.livejournal.com]

I used to do that every Sunday; I'd often take a book with me and read while I ate.

[laurion]

I've eaten out alone a number of times for various reasons, including sometimes the 'because I feel like it' reason.

[khyros.livejournal.com]

So for the voice of the common stereotype -- Eating alone makes me feel intensely lonely. I can deal with it for lunch when I just need to be out of the office for SOME reason in the middle of the day. But for dinner I get depressed just thinking about eating alone in a restaurant. I don't FEEL like I got this from media but... I can't, I suppose, rule it out.

An interesting tidbit on food as social experience -- "Companion" is derived from latin cum -- with, and panis -- bread. Your companions are literally those with whom you break bread.