Eating out alone...

[tamiznluv]

I know I've given advise somewhere in here before but thought I'd create it's own thread BECAUSE I took myself out to eat at an IHOP today while waiting for my dog to be groomed! Of course I didn't have a book with me....(note to self: put one in the car) but I had such a pleasant experience, I didn't need one! The hostess said "just one?" and I said "yes, just one." She seated me, brought me my coffee and then I ordered. Not a single soul paid any attention to me as I sipped my coffee and looked out the window occasionaly. I ate and paid my bill. I had walked in with my head held high and didn't look like I was embarrassed to be walking in alone and I walked out the same way. Told the hostess as I paid my bill, "I'm practicing this widow thing of eating out alone" and it was very nice here. She said she was sorry and thanked me. Got in the car and headed home and felt full and satisfied. Satisfied that I had done it alone again. One guy ahead of me was ordering take out (he was constuction or something) and I didn't even let the idea enter my mind to do the take out bit. I wanted a hot omelette.

So that was my baby step of the day.

[MsAnnThrope]

Well done!!

I started going out alone a few years back, pretty much because I didn't have anyone to go with.

I soon discovered that I preferred it!

You don't have to worry about what someone else wants, when they want to arrive/leave, where they want to go, if they disappear half way through the evening...and, you're never alone for long. Someone will ALWAYS strike up a conversation...but thats in Australia where people are pretty friendly.

I much, much prefer solitary expeditions.

[greatblueheron]

Yes, great new step OP!

And I agree fully with MsAnnThrope...

Solitary is much preferred for me too!

Originally Posted by MsAnnThrope

Well done!!

I started going out alone a few years back, pretty much because I didn't have anyone to go with.

I soon discovered that I preferred it!

You don't have to worry about what someone else wants, when they want to arrive/leave, where they want to go, if they disappear half way through the evening...and, you're never alone for long. Someone will ALWAYS strike up a conversation...but thats in Australia where people are pretty friendly.

I much, much prefer solitary expeditions.

[ListenToYourHeart]

Oh, please. It's nothing. People go out to eat all the time on their own. Not at a fancy restaurant, but regular restaurant. It's NOT weird as long as you're not the ONLY customer there in the whole dinning room and there are 4 waiters there doing nothing but stare at you or waiting for your request for extra whatever.

[theatergypsy]

Well, it's not "nothing" when you haven't done it in a long time. I took a long time before I was able to eat alone in a restaurant without feeling self-conscious. (I do take a book, but mainly because I frequently read while eating at home). It can be a big victory and just one of those things that will get easier with time.
Good job, Tami, and mark it on the calendar. First of many.

[tngirl205]

I am so proud of you girlfriend!! I have not done that yet. You are a shining example for me. One of these days......wish we lived nearby so we could go eat together.

Gosh, I'm so glad this forum is here and you all are my friends!!

[sera]

Hooray Tami! Do mark it on your calendar; wish we could all dine together. Thank you for facing a challenge, having victory over it. Each of us, well, most of us face challenges. One of mine was getting out of bed one morning, reality after three months, just about a month, deep down, he's not coming home.

[desertrose09]

Congratulations tamiznluv...I haven't been able to do it yet. Maybe soon.
It's been almost 2 years and I've faced so many challenges I never dreamed I would have to deal with.
Like sera it's difficult to realize he won't be coming home.

[Wayland Woman]

Originally Posted by theatergypsy

Well, it's not "nothing" when you haven't done it in a long time. I took a long time before I was able to eat alone in a restaurant without feeling self-conscious. (I do take a book, but mainly because I frequently read while eating at home). It can be a big victory and just one of those things that will get easier with time.
Good job, Tami, and mark it on the calendar. First of many.

I agree. My husband has been gone for 5 months and I still haven't gone to a restaurant by myself. My husband and I were together 42 years and we went to restaurants together 3-4 a week, even after he became disabled. It IS a big deal to do something like this after a spouse passes away and to not feel self-conscious doing it. My hats off to those of you who have done it.

[Ohiogirl81]

I haven't done that since my single days, either, other than fast food restaurants on a road trip. Good for you.