Table for one, please…
Last night my creative spirit was a little crispy around the edges. No matter how much you love what you do, sometimes too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. I was on my own for dinner (Captain Hubby was working at the boat) and I had planned to have leftovers and keep working like I had for the past few nights (OK, past 2 weeks). Instead, I decided to shut down at 7:00 pm, grabbed my book and headed for a favorite spot that has great fish tacos. Yeah, that’s right ~ by myself.
Dining out alone has never bothered me. I have been doing it as long as I can recall, even as a teen. I like it. I usually take a book with me, but I don’t always read. Sometimes it is more fun to people watch.
I went to Paris alone a couple years ago and the first thing most people said when they found out I was going solo was, “What are you going to do about meals? I could never eat alone in public.” I am amazed at how often I hear that. I just don’t understand why. The thing is, nobody else is that concerned about you. They’re not whispering to each other, “Look at that poor thing, eating alone.”
I’ll go almost anywhere, but some places are more comfortable to be alone than others. For instance, I don’t usually go to fancy places locally, but have been known to while traveling. I like tables outside, or sometimes just eat at the bar.
What about you? Do you dine out alone? Only for lunch? Do you take a book? Are you more comfortable at certain types of establishments?
August 27th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
When I was a flight attendant, I often ate alone, especially in Europe. In the states it feels different. But you know what?! You have inspired me, I am often home alone at night. I may give this new dining alone thing a try! Can I text you while I am doing it so I don’t feel so alone!? ha!
August 27th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Hi BJ!!! I see no problems with it…I think it is fun to people watch too…I am always cooking new things around here so I only head out when I get together with friends….and ever since I became a Mom , our son Cole is my company during the day….we get lattes at Starbucks…and watch the people go by…I always bring my sketchbook because I find that these alone times are great times for new ideas….
FISH tacos….what the ? never heard of these things…what kind of fish? and what are the flavours?
Hugssssssssssss
Diana
August 28th, 2009 at 8:42 am
BJ,
Love the attitude…eating alone is great. Time for reflection…relaxing…no pressure…observing the surroundings…love it. I usually take a journal and write my thoughts.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I love people watching too but I must admit that I don’t enjoy eating alone. Part of the enjoyment for me is discussing the menu and the food and talking about everyone else in the restaurant …!
August 29th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I’m about to leave for Paris and will be alone for the first four days. Yes, I look forward to it! Am going to the Maison et Objet show and definitely want to be alone to wander the aisles (and, I hear, Laduree has a restaurant/cafe there!) Oh, the people watching……!
September 1st, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I love to people watch. I don’t mind eating alone, but i am alone a lot so I love having company fr lunch and dinner. If I do I sometimes take a book to unwind. If I was in Paris I would have a book of maps to plan the next exciting place to go.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I enjoy dining alone also. When I lived alone for a year in Kansas City I would stay there every other weekend and enjoyed exploring and finding new spots to eat, most often by myself. And I know what you mean about creativity being “crispy around the edges” ( I love that term!) Sometimes we need a change of scenery, even if it’s a mile down the road!
September 12th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Traveling a lot, I find it necessary to eat out a lot by myself. I don’t mind eating alone and enjoy it. I don’t carry a book because I like to people watch. Its relaxing to sit back with a glass of wine and watch people as well as reflect on my day and often ideas come to me during these times. Occasionally a waitperson will strike up a conversation and I can find out a lot about the area.