On Dining Alone
Living alone is one thing, but if I want to do things — and I do — it means that sometimes I will be by myself in situations usually reserved for families, couples and groups.
I recently took myself to Quebec City. This was the first vacation since I’ve been on my own that did not involve visiting friends and family. Dining alone in a nice restaurant is often considered intimidating, or a sorry admission that you don’t have a life.
Really, is a single diner so very fascinating? “Get over yourself”, I said to myself. Once I was settled into that first table in the first (of many) restaurants I didn’t find it awkward because it wasn’t awkward. The other diners noticed me in the same way that I noticed them.
I did not bring a book or a magazine, I left my cell phone in my bag. I enjoyed my dinners and spoiled myself by taking all the time I wanted over all my favourite dishes. And cocktails of course.
I’ve been told I’m brave. While that may or may not be true, if our social constraints mean a single person can’t enjoy a restaurant meal, well then we all need to get over ourselves.
Stay safe everyone.
Hi Anne – what an excellent message and my only hope is that I can be as brave as you when/if my time comes. Clearly, I still have some work to do in getting out of myself 🙂 Hope all is well!
Thank you Janet, all is well. When you need to get out of yourself, you will. Cheers, A.
I don’t see anything wrong with dinning alone. All is about being comfortable in your own company.
When I was young living in big city in Poland, I was fascinated with theatre. This kind of entertainment was reserved for people going together. I had never seen singles going there. My love for theatre was so strong that I decided to see the play alone. It was so liberating. Since then I was going to theatre very often.
‘Liberating’ !! Perfect word for it. Thank you Joanna.