Eating out Alone (Any advice) (dates, women, singles, young)

[Mary20852]

I'm a young black professional woman who just moved to a new city (the dc metro area) and I'd like to venture out more. The problem is, I do not have friends to venture out with. I'll admit that I feel self conscious when I eat at restaurants by myself, while other people are with their dates and/or friends. How can I overcome this?

I'm just curious, what do guys think when they see a young woman eating by herself? Do they even take note, is this all just a figment of my imagination. I definitely want to meet people (men in particular) but I don't want to come across as strange.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[angelinajolie]

Being a master of Eating out Alone, all I can say is... enjoy the food! Actually with Ipads and smartphones you will never feel awkward eating alone ever again.

As opposed to when I was always eating alone no distractions like that.

[Suncc49]

Sit at the bar, you will be fine. Join a local meet up group and find someone with a common interest. I do believe that DC has alot more women than men living there though, so competition will be fierce.

[JayN]

It happens very often. I'm usually in the company of my smartphone, a book or a magazine.

[Mary20852]

I dislike using my phone, or reading while I'm eating. I think it makes me look like I'm trying to be busy. Besides, I much prefer to focus on the meal.

I do like the idea of sitting at the bar, instead of an actual table, since it will bring less attention to the fact that I'm eating alone.

[Mary20852]

But I guess my larger question is to the guys, what comes to mind when you see an attractive young woman eating alone?

[JayN]

Originally Posted by Mary20852

I do like the idea of sitting at the bar, instead of an actual table, since it will bring less attention to the fact that I'm eating alone.

Tons of people eat alone every day for professional reasons, personal reasons, etc. It's nobody's business.

[Mary20852]

Originally Posted by JayN

Tons of people eat alone every day for professional reasons, personal reasons, etc. It's nobody's business.

I guess my larger question to the guys is, what do you think when you see an attractive woman eating by herself?

[JayN]

Originally Posted by Mary20852

I guess my larger question to the guys is, what do you think when you see an attractive woman eating by herself?

An attractive woman eating by herself, that's what I see.

[Ruth4Truth]

Once you get over your awkwardness about it, you'll be hooked! Don't let an initial feeling of awkwardness stop you from enjoying your area's restaurants. Bring a newspaper or book to read while waiting for your meal, and just enjoy getting out, enjoy sampling different restaurants, enjoy being your independent you! Lots of singles eat out alone. Go for it!

Who cares what anyone thinks? I assume they don't notice and don't care. The important thing is your enjoyment of being out and about, exploring your new city, and it's restaurant fare and ambience. Don't hold back! Life is to be lived.