Are you one of the many Americans afraid to eat out alone? This seems to be a very common problem among apparently well adjusted people. Not only do people report feeling self conscious and conspicuous when they dine alone, many people actually perceive that people are actively staring at them because they eating out without a dining companion.
Could these slight paranoid solo diners be correct? Do people actually stare at single diners? Think back to the last time you dined in a restaurant. Do you remember who was eating alone and who was dining with a companion? Probably not. Most people are too absorbed in their own lives to give much thought to the dining companions of others. Most likely you were more concerned with choosing your menu items and getting good service which can be a challenge in restaurants these days.
If you look at eating out alone in a more positive light, you can overcome your fear by seeing solo dining as an adventure. Here are some ideas for overcoming your fear of eating out alone:
Bring along some reading material.
Dining alone gives you a wonderful opportunity to get caught up on your reading. It's also a good way to avert your attention away from the diners around you if you feel self conscious. Absorb yourself in an engrossing novel or the latest issue of your favorite magazine. You may find yourself actually enjoying the experience of eating alone.
Choose your restaurant.
You may be less self conscious eating alone at certain restaurants than at others. In some areas, restaurants are set up to accommodate the solo diner with small two seat tables or booths that are off to the side of the restaurant.. If you have such a restaurant in your area, you might start by dining alone there until you can overcome your discomfort with eating out alone. You're also less likely to feel uncomfortable dining alone at a more casual restaurant than an upscale, formal one. Other restaurants where you may feel less out of place eating alone include fast, casual restaurants where you order at the counter, cafeterias, and coffee shops. These restaurants are more likely to have diners eating solo.
Choose your seat carefully.
If you're eating out alone in a restaurant, ask the hostess for a booth. By choosing a booth, you may feel more immune to the prying eyes of others. (if anyone is actually looking). You may also feel more comfortable dining at the counter, if the restaurant has one. Avoid tables that are located in the middle of the restaurant. You can also specifically ask for a table in the back of the restaurant or in a corner if that makes you feel more secure.
Eat at a hotel restaurant.
If you feel conspicuous being one of the few solo diners in a restaurant, try eating at a local hotel restaurant. Single diners are much more common in these restaurants as they're usually frequented by business travelers. You'll probably be one of many single diners at one of these establishments.
After eating alone in a restaurant a few times, you'll likely find your self consciousness fading as you learn to accept and even enjoy the experience. After all, you're free to order what you want and stay for as long as you like. Don't forget to order that luscious dessert! It's your reward for successfully eating out alone.
