subject: How to Confidently Dine Alone, Try a Bar Stool not a Booth [print this page] If you are single, travel often, or simply enjoy dining alone, that is nothing to be ashamed about. There are frequent times when you are forced to dine alone, and the experience should be empowering, not embarrassing. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your dining solo experience, here are some tips on how to do it with confidence and with class.
1. Try the bar instead. For many solo eaters, indulging in foods around happy, lovey-dovey couples, or rambunctious groups of men can be limiting and impersonal. Try requesting a seat on a bar stool and youll find that youre surrounded by many more singletons and your confidence will be revived.
2. Bring a book and dine. Its not a bad idea to come armed with some reading material ready. It not only keeps you from being bored and bothered, but its just a great way to catch up on all those novels and articles that youve been meaning to read.
3. Exude confidence at all times. With everything from being sat, to ordering dessert, do it with complete pride. Dont shrug and say Its just me. Come in there proudly and request a table for one.
4. Eavesdrop. You can really gain valuable insight into the human condition. Or perhaps catch up on social norms and current affairs. Either way, when dining alone you can overhear some pretty interesting stories that are diary-worthy.
5. Befriend your cell phone. It sure is rude to be on your Blackberry during a joint dinner but dining by yourself will allow you to text, tweet, or catch up on correspondences without feeling guilt.
6. Watch sports. If you are that self-conscious about it you can always sit at a sports bar close to a TV and occasionally look up or cheer for a sports team. At least then it will seem like you are there for a reason more than loneliness.
7. Review the Restaurant. Think and act as though you are a food critic with your handy dandy notebook and educated questions. This can put you in a judgmental position that will prove to be empowering.
How to Confidently Dine Alone, Try a Bar Stool not a Booth
