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Out alone.

(27 Posts)
ginny Wed 09-Sept-15 12:36:56

When I am shopping or just mooching around on my own, I am quite happy to sit in a café or restaurant for a drink or meal on my own.

My MIL says she couldn't possibly do this as she would feel too conspicuous and uncomfortable.

Just wondering how other feel.

Elegran Sat 12-Sept-15 18:16:08

The first time I walked into a restaurant without my OH, I felt very odd and exposed. After three years, I am used to it. Needs must when the devil drives.

Riverwalk Sat 12-Sept-15 18:11:55

If you're out and about for work, shopping, travelling or whatever then you have to eat!

I have no problem eating alone - don't want to starve.

I wouldn't leave the house in the evening to go to a restaurant - would prefer to eat at home or go with a friend but apart from that it's not a problem.

As for pubs, I think 'gastro' pubs are ideal as they're informal and you can relax and watch the world go by.

Ana Sat 12-Sept-15 18:09:04

Well, you wouldn't be in company, would you? grin

I feel the same - quite happy to visit a cafe for a cup of tea and a sandwich or a meal, but I wouldn't go to a formal restaurant on my own. I just wouldn't want to, not necessarily because I'd feel self-conscious although I probably would.

Culag Sat 12-Sept-15 18:03:47

I found it very strange initially but now I am quite happy going into a cafe alone. An evening meal in a restaurant by myself is a different matter though, unless I could bring myself to read a book. I was brought up not to read at table in company!

felice Sat 12-Sept-15 17:50:40

Just came home after browsing in a lovely street nearby, lots of artisan shops, went into a local cafe/bar had 2 cool Belgian beers read a couple of chapters of a book and wandered home.Very relaxing.
My dearest friend for many years after his divorce would not even have a coffee alone. He is more settled now and i think more confident and does now eat and drink when he is out all day by himself.

Luckylegs9 Sat 12-Sept-15 17:16:23

When I was first widowed I was very self conscious eating out. At the age of 60 I had never done it. Now 10 years later it doesn't bother me one bit because I have become invisible and I people watch.

Eloethan Thu 10-Sept-15 22:27:50

There are certain restaurants where I feel more comfortable to eat in when I'm on my own - I'm not quite sure why - maybe it's the layout - not being too close to other diners - and not too formal. Going into a caf?? on my own wouldn't bother me. I prefer shopping on my own.

I've never been to the cinema, flown, or been on holiday on my own - wouldn't like to go to a film or on holiday alone but feel a bit of a wimp because I know I would be nervous flying on my own.

Envious Thu 10-Sept-15 17:48:36

I don't mind eating out in restaurants alone but I always seemed to get sorry looks from others and servers sad if I had to live alone now that's another story!

loopylou Thu 10-Sept-15 17:11:11

Very happy to eat alone, wouldn't bother me at all.

Luckygirl Thu 10-Sept-15 17:10:44

Not a problem - anytime, anywhere. I quite enjoy it really. Sit with a book or the paper and watch the world go by, eating food that SOMEONE ELSE has cooked. What's not to like, as they say.

petra Thu 10-Sept-15 16:59:28

Charleygirl. I'm puzzled. Why wouldn't you go into a pub on your own?

Nelliemoser Wed 09-Sept-15 18:03:49

I am quite happy with it. I once shared a table with an older lady in a small cafe as the room was quite busy at lunch time.
I did not know who she was but we had a lovely chat putting the world to rights. Perhaps it's that easiness of talking to someone you will probably never meet again.

ninathenana Wed 09-Sept-15 17:32:37

GN changed that from cafe with the ' over 'e' it showed correctly on my phone confused

ninathenana Wed 09-Sept-15 17:30:27

I regularly go alone to caf??s for coffee and something to eat.
I've never eaten in a restaurant alone as the situation has never arisen. I wouldn't mine doing it. I'm a champion people watcher grin If he's with me DH is the one facing the kitchen or the wall.

Charleygirl Wed 09-Sept-15 16:33:50

I have no problems going into a restaurant for a meal during the day. Most times when I am out and about I pop in somewhere for coffee and/or a snack. I could not dine alone in the evening and I certainly would never go into a pub on my own.

janeainsworth Wed 09-Sept-15 14:42:36

Doesn't bother me in the least!

Greenfinch Wed 09-Sept-15 14:23:47

Same for me phoenix though I prefer to eat outside if possible.

Anne58 Wed 09-Sept-15 14:15:23

Having had to travel alone for work, I would have gone hungry if I didn't eat out alonegrin

jinglbellsfrocks Wed 09-Sept-15 13:41:30

I would choose a pub. For a meal.

jinglbellsfrocks Wed 09-Sept-15 13:40:41

Well, it's better once in a while than having to prepare food for yourself, but I think the point of eating out is for the cheerfulness and the company as much as anything.

Bellanonna Wed 09-Sept-15 13:37:58

I don't have a problem with it. In fact I often have a coffe, snack or meal on my own. I'd draw the line at a pub though

Lona Wed 09-Sept-15 13:16:50

I'm often out on my own and I don't have a problem having coffee and a snack, but I would rather be with someone else because it's more fun.
I've never gone into a restaurant for a meal on my own.

hildajenniJ Wed 09-Sept-15 13:00:21

I have never minded being out on my own. I like the freedom of being able to do as I choose, without having to acquiesce to someone else. I don't mind eating alone either, I have done it often since my DD and family moved to Scotland. I usually break my journey in Glasgow, and have a meal there.

Grannyknot Wed 09-Sept-15 12:48:45

I love being out and about on my own. When I eat out on my own i'll often be reading a paper, or I'm just as happy to sit and relax.

Katek Wed 09-Sept-15 12:45:20

I'm fine with it-gives me a good opportunity for people watching!!