How do you feel about dining alone?

I, for one, find it extremely lonely. But it’s better than sitting in a room doing nothing..

Is there anyone else from your company (even if you don’t know them very well) also on the trip with you? Maybe you could ask them to join you. You could learn more about a co-worker and kill some time.

My sympathies. I did that for many years. I was never comfortable doing it, but some nights I just couldn’t hack room service. A book was always my friend!

@Frogonfire I’ve actually spent the week with coworkers who I consider friends and that’s been my saving grace. However, I ended up spending the weekend here while everyone else went home today. A couple beers and a bad burger, and I think I’m ready to go back to my book in the hotel room now.

It’s not ideal but it’s acceptable.

I don’t have any problem with it. I usually do have a book or magazine with me in those situations, but even if not, I’m comfortable. But this is after years of practice. I found it hard at first, in my late teens and early twenties, but I got so I could go anywhere alone—to dinner, to the opera or theatre, to another country.

Hotels are usually easier than a conventional restaurant because they accommodate a lot of business travelers and people who are away from their normal social settings. I wouldn’t think twice about dining alone in a hotel.

I kind of like to do it on occasion. I bring a book, always order dessert, and enjoy some good quality me time.

I did it it a lot when I drove a truck. Nothing worse than sitting in a restaurant alone, eating your meal, knowing the only thing waiting for you is a motel room. I’m glad I don’t have to do that anymore, since I hate eating alone.

I have to do it a lot for work, but I always either call a friend if I happen to have one in the area, eat as fast as I can and get out of there, or just stay in the hotel and order room service… probably the best idea is room service. PJ’s, a movie, and food brought up to your room.

I have, on occasion, walked over to another person who is also dining alone and invited them to dine with me. I explain, that I am on business, know no one in the area, and thought they might be in the same situation.

Everyone I have asked has been surprised, and has accepted.

The resulting conversations have always been comfortable and pleasant, and have been much better than dining alone.

It is better than Dining in hell.

I used to do it all the time. I tend to take a book with me (I buy purses with carrying a book with me in mind so I have one almost everywhere I go) and sit at the bar. Generally you can find a conversation sitting at the bar, with the bartender if no one else. I find sitting alone at a table to be less interesting. :)

Find and Applebee’s or something and go sit at the bar would be my recommendation!

It’s absolutely fabulous. Far better than hooking up with someone just so you have company when you go out. If you are uncomfortable being alone at a restaurant, you need to reevaluate your Ego.

It used to be something I would never dream of doing because I would be so uncomfortable. Now it doesn’t bother me a bit. In fact, it is a nice way to spend some time with a book when I have a free afternoon with no plans.

Just remember you eat to nourish your self and enjoy your meal. Don’t mind what other people are doing, if they make a big deal about it, its because they themselves can not eat alone.

I hate it, and it’s even worse when I have to cook at home and eat the meal all by myself. Everyone I know hates it. Sometimes I don’t bother, and just grab something outside, or not eat at all.

Is it like computering alone?

it sucks because you draw attention to yourself when you make that “walk of shame” to your table.

I don’t like doing it and avoid it at all cost.

I really don’t mind eating alone and can I find it enjoyable. Maybe because I see it as a quiet break, or maybe because I tend to be a bit of a loner. When I do eat alone I tend to take things slowly and hang out for awhile, reading a book and enjoying dessert. I do come from a pretty big family where meals were always loud and hectic, maybe that’s why It has never bothered me.

I agree with supermouse. I find dining alone to be enjoyable and have always felt comfortable doing it. I also come from a large family so that might have something to do with it.

It was awkward for me the first few times I did it. Something in my head was programmed that women don’t dine alone which is silly because now when I want something, I just go and do it with or without company. I’ve looked around and noticed many single diners and wonder if they feel as I do but the experience and nice meal overcomes that, hopefully for them too.

I find it to be more lonesome when I dine at home alone. At least when I go out, there’s people to watch.

I am always excited to go have a great meal on someone elses, or even my own dime. In a new city for the first time, I prefer being by myself. But, If you really find it that unpleasant, then don’t eat alone, I am sure if you really wanted to, you could find someone to join you.

I’ve been in the same situation but I wouldn’t over-think it. No body is paying that much attention to you so go sit down, get your cup of coffee or your meat loaf dinner and play solitaire on your iPhone. Sometime the people watching is great when you don’t have a dinner partner to distract you.

Point is, just make the best of the situation. You’ve got to eat, right?

Hey,
Let me share a little secret with you. (Well, I suppose it won’t be so secret after this)...
Please take this seriously. This is not a joke.
There is one real advantage to dining alone, especially on the road:

1. Take a small, professional looking, black notebook with you. The sort of thing that is leather with gold embossing.
2. When you come to the front desk, make sure that you are professionally dressed and that the waitstaff sees you reach into your lapel pocket or purse and pull out the note pad and a fine pen.
3. When you are being seated: no matter where they take you, ask the waiter/ess “Is this the best seat available?”
4. When you are seated, hesitate to sit down. Make it obvious that you are scanning the table & immediate environs.
5. As you sit down, they will want to rush you into making a drink order. Hesitate again. Open your little black notebook and make a ‘note’. Close it and than ask what he/she recommends “that the typical customer would be able to afford.”
6. BEFORE the entree come, ask where the restroom is…with your notepad obviously visible & in hand. Even if you don’t have to, use the restroom and take your time.
7. Continue to make ‘notes’ throughout your dining experience. Act as if you are being discreet.

It is very entertaining to see what ASSUMPTIONS can do for the service an attention you will be given.