How to Dine Alone with Grace and Dignity

For some people dining alone ranks in the same category as root canals and public speaking on the fun-meter, but solo dining doesn't have to be an anxiety ridden experience.

Keep these tips in mind:

Don't talk on your cell phone. Don't play games on your cell phone. Don't mess around with the calculator and pretend that you are doing important things on your cell phone. It's common practice to immediately reach for electronic devices when put in an uncomfortable situation. They are like tiny beeping security blankets. If you must make or take an important call, do so discreetly and quietly. No one wants to hear about your 5:00 staff meeting-It's rude and distracting to the other diners.

There's a time and place for reading material. It's okay to bring a newspaper or a book to breakfast or brunch. Cafes and casual or outside dining are also conducive for reading. If possible, request a window seat for the best lighting.

So what do you do when you're in a stylish restaurant for dinner? You're too classy to talk on your cell phone and it's too dark to read anything. Order wine or a fancy coffee drink. Having something in your hand makes you feel 'busy' and aides in reducing anxiety. Drink slowly and savor the taste.

Enjoy the atmosphere. Ask the waiter for his recommendations. Ask questions about the menu. Service is usually more attentive to lone diners. Take advantage of this.

People watch. Smile at those looking your way. Exercise your observational skills but avoid blatant eavesdropping- no one wants to be next to the creepy person who's is craning her neck in attempt to listen in.

Still anxious about dining alone? Consider these advantages to solo dining:
You can order anything on the menu without feeling like you are being judged by another party.
You don't have to argue over who is paying.
You won't feel obligated to participate in small talk or any other form of boring conversation.
You don't have to worry about the embarrassing outcome of food getting stuck between your teeth.

Dining alone with grace is a skill that gets easier with practice. The more confident that you appear, the more at ease you will feel. With so many great restaurants popping up in neighborhoods across the world, there's no excuse to sit at home and eat Doritos while watching reruns. So put on your favorite outfit and get out there- you might just end up enjoying the whole experience.