For some of us, having to eat alone in public in a restaurant is a major challenge – for reasons that go deep into our psyche and our past.
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“We’re spending a few days on business in a town where we know no one. It’s dinner time and, feeling claustrophobic in our hotel room, we wander the main streets looking for a place to eat. The bars and restaurants are filled with loving couples and animated groups of friends. We gingerly enter a diner but, as we take in the warmth and convivial atmosphere, are struck by acute self-consciousness. We blush crimson and clumsily turn to leave before an approaching waiter has had the chance to offer us a seat. We eventually find a dried-out sandwich at the station kiosk, which we eat furtively on a park bench near some loitering pigeons.”
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40 Comments
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I eat alone most of the time, the waitress always ask me when I order this for one😅
I've travelled through Europe and Asia alone. Eating alone has been part of the deal. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. Sometimes, eating alone brings about chance meetings as good people who love inclusion invite me to their table and shared their time and company.
Before I was married I ate alone most of the time. I met some really nice people just by becoming a regular at my favorite restaurants and making small talk with managers and staff. Even started dating a few people this way. I remember it being strange at first but over time that weirdness just disappears
I’m an extremely self conscious person. But for some reason I give ZERO fucks about eating alone. 😂 In fact, I’m eating alone at the Riverwalk in San Antonio right now :p
Eating alone at a fancy restaurant is different then eating alone at a fast food joint or dinner why is that? Going alone to the beach is also considered lonely but going to the pool or gym is cool. I think social norms are slowly changing..i personally like my alone time but i also need a human buffer to feel not wired that is sad. I wish i had the confidence to do more stuff alone
Sometimes I have to focus really hard to get the summary of the video. Can someone explain it in simpler words please?
I rewatch it thrice. Still don’t get it lll😂
🙁
is it weird that I've done this bajillion times and still feel awkward and uncomfortable every time 🤣
I always prefer to be alone while eating I like to read while eating and take my time, it’s my daily ritual. I’m like a dog when it comes to eating I hate being bothered while I’m eating and will snap at anybody, including hungry kids, who try to touch my food without asking first. With a couple of kids and several coworkers at work I never get any privacy. Except when I eat and I love those moments alone
introverts : hold my beer
I have come to being comfortable, even preferring, eating alone from a different direction. I have had too many meals spoiled by someone else's pickiness (if I had $1 for everytime I had to leave a restaurant because someone else did not like the food on offer…) for every pleasureable dinner conversation, there have been 5 that detailed descriptions of gross medical problems.
I love going to the movies alone but I need more experience eating alone to see how I truly feel about it.
I don’t have any problem being a table for one but you absolutely get lousier service , and are seated at the worst seating, when you dine alone ….unless you pick the right place, which takes trial and error. Seating at the bar is always preferable, plus u sometimes make chitchat with you bar neighbor/s.
As depressed and out of my mind as I am, going to dinner and then a movie by myself is one of my favorite things 🙃
Sipping coffee alone while watching this video… and also a group of kids hanging out in the next table, loudly talking having fun… While I'm enjoying my coffee and solidarity… I'd pat myself on my back for being confident enough to get here!!
I often enjoy eating alone. A very peaceful way to spend time.
Is it hard to eat alone in public? Then you may want to go to cinema and watch a movie alone
I do everything alone it doesn't phase me.
I remember how often people would question my decision to go to the movies alone or a restaurant alone. I usually reply with something like, “yo I ain’t missing out on this movie!” Or “…I would never pass up on iHops French toast!”
Despite the fact I did not have much affection in my early years, eating alone in a busy restaurant does not affect me. I like observing the world, writing and reading. I keep myself busy.
Grateful to have great parents <3
I personally don't mind eating alone in public, its waiting for the food to come I find awkward.
I went to see a movie by myself as I’ve done over the years. On this one occasion I was sitting next to a couple and the lady apparently thought I was friendless. She offered me some of her popcorn! (I didn’t take it.)
just the reality for a lonely stoner
I heartily enjoy eating alone. In fact, I often linger over my drink with a good book. I’m my own best friend! 😁
One time I was eating alone in a restaurant and the worst of my fears came true. A group of young girls at another table started making snorting noises every time I put the fork in my mouth
Millenials cant eat alone in public so they need someone there
Is eating alone that bad, I enjoy it. I can assure you other people does not give a shit. It's all in your head. Enjoy your self.
Wait what? Didnt know this was a psychological hurdle.
What is described in that video is social anxiety which according to my opinion is not necessarily related of being/eating alone in public.
I do a lot of things alone, it actually helps
I started eating alone at restaurants 2 years ago. There is absolutely no reason to be ashamed because noone else at restaurant actually cares!
Never did i understand why people found it so weird to eat out alone.
so happy that i dont feel scared or awkward anymore when eating alone in public. i think it's a great achievement in life, lol
It might sound weird but I always prefer to eat alone hahaha!! I just enjoy it too much!
I didn't know this was an issue for some. Most of the time others eating around you don't care to notice you're eating alone. I love eating alone especially at a busy restaurant! There's almost always a table for one available. I tend to eat slower than most so eating alone relieves me of the pressure to keep up and eat faster.
I can eat solo for breakfast and lunch, but not dinner. Dinner is synonymous with ‘date night.’ I haven’t been able to get past the fear. I honestly don’t blink if I see a man by himself, but if I were to ever see a woman dining solo I would be in awe of her self-confidence.
I hardly enjoy anything now even food which is my favourite thing to enjoy , and if i have the to choose between going with a friend or by myself i will go alone. Love being alone at this phase of my life and going out to eat and smoke cigars alone it’s really nice and people around the places i go they see it as sign of power
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