How to Eat Alone with Confidence
How to Eat Alone with Confidence: Read a Newspaper
The most obvious difference between people who eat out with other people and those who eat alone is the conversation factor. If you have gone out for the evening with your family or friends, you will have a ready supply of conversation while you wait for your food to be prepared and brought out to you. But if you are alone, you may wonder how to spend your time before your food arrives. Rather than simply sitting at your table wishing that you had invited someone to join you, why not take the time to catch up on the news? Take along your newspaper and have a read of what is going on in the world while your food is being prepared. This will give you something else to focus on and you will not feel quite so self conscious.
How to Eat Alone with Confidence: Do not Focus on Others
It can be tempting to let your eyes wander and to focus your attention on others in the restaurant when you are eating alone. But it is best to try and avoid doing this. If you are caught staring at others, it will be quite embarrassing for you as you then have to avert your eyes, and it can make other diners feel very uncomfortable if they feel as if you are paying them too much attention. Instead, once your meal arrives, focus attention on your food and savour each and every bite.
How to Eat Alone with Confidence: Converse with Waiters/Waitresses
One way in which you can exude confidence as you eat alone is to converse with waiters/ waitresses. Be kind and courteous to them. Many waiters and waitresses spend many hours dealing with hostile, rude and unappreciative customers. You can do your bit by spending just a few minutes conversing with the waiters and waitresses and letting them know how much you appreciate their service. The benefit will be twofold. The waiters/ waitresses will feel better about themselves, and you will have someone to talk to during your dining experience.
Published by Sophie S - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Sophie is a British expat who has been living abroad in the United States for the past 5 years. She writes on a diverse variety of subjects and is particularly interested in sharing her personal knowledge ab... View profile
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- Reading a newspaper can help pass the time until your food arrives
- Try not to focus attention on other diners; they may feel very uncomfortable with your scrutiny
- Take the time to converse with waiters and waitresses
24 Comments
Post a CommentI have to admit I feel self-conscience if I eat out alone or attend a movie. I know I shouldn't but still..
I also don't mind eating alone. I've done that a few times lately. I still prefer to eat with others though.
Sophie
Great article. When I was living on my own I would eat out by myself often. I hated to cook, especially just for myself, and it got old sitting around the apartment too. I would bring a book and it never bothered me a bit. I have a friend who would never go anywhere on her own though. I guess it is just hard for some people.
At times when I travel, I eat alone...I have gotten used to it. Reading always helps, or just plain concentrating on the food and savoring each serving. :)
I usually don't mind eating alone in restaurants. If I would be eating alone at home anyway I might as well sit and be served in a restaurant.
I remember waaaaaay back when, when I was going to be faced with this. I was horrified. Today, I don't give it a second thought. It's all in how we perceive ourselves and what we're doing, versus worrying or being concerned how others perceive us. Sometimes I actually prefer to eat out alone.
Great piece!
Good advice!
I love that Sex and the City article where Carrie decides she can eat alone - without any armor. No friend, no date, no book. Its kinda freeing to be able to do that. I still bring a crossword puzzle (just in case).
Oh what a good article!!...You know that I have to say..I have never went into a restaurant and eaten alone!..Insecurity always seemed to stop me from doing this!..
Some good advice here. I have often eaten alone in a restaurant or gone to the movies by myself because I travel with my husband when he goes out of town so while he's out I keep myself busy.