There comes a time in every grown-up’s life when they must eat alone. In a restaurant.
Things happen: You get canceled at the last minute. You’re shopping for some clothes, suddenly feel faint at the exorbitant prices, and notice there’s an adorable cafe on the 7th floor of the department store that offers enticing salads and/or pumpkin ravioli. Or perhaps you’re now alone: Your husband has left you for his secretary. Your wife has left you for your best friend. Or maybe one of you has “issues” about kale.
You get it.
Dining alone is a most pleasurable experience. Instead of listening to blather (kitchen renovations, getting a cleanse, three new points on your driver’s license (that would be me) and, an exhausting and exhaustive list of silly complaints, you could:
1. Dream.
2. Scheme.
3. Laugh at something you said (Isn’t it sad that we’re often afraid to let out a giggle when we’re alone? People, let it out! Listen to that comedy track inside your head and have a blast with your tuna melt.)
4. Order french fries without someone asking “are you still dieting?” (Please turn to page six in The Essentials of Fabulous on how to spot a frenemy.)
5. Plan a trip.
6. Read without interruption.
7. Look serenely confident.
8. “Talent spot” and look at the imaginative way people dress.
9. Flirt with someone who is also sitting alone.
10. Pay the bill without discussing who ate what. (Give me strength, Lord, when after a wonderful meal, someone feels inclined to take out their calculator and tally up their piece of the bill).
Bon appetit!
11. Savor what you are slowly eating, identifying the flavors and seasonings.
12. Doodle in your notebook.
Dear Janet: Two excellent additions to the list. Relax, enjoy your meal, savor. And make lists or just write down ideas. People will be intrigued. Kudos! E.
13. Order dessert and not share a single bite.
Dear Anne: I am laughing. How true! Dessert I’ll share but my salad is off-limits! That’s the story of, that’s the glory of eating alone. Kind of you to write! Thanks.
Be completely open to anything — you have no idea who you might meet. Leave your day behind you, forget your customary role in life, and be really confident and really sincere…watch what happens…people will be delighted by you.
Love this…I have always enjoyed eating alone, so it’s nice to see your message
Being in sales all my life and single most of it, there was never a fear for me to be with me! Thanks for the great post!
Dear Donna: I go to the theater, the movies, restaurants, walks, shop, and museum exhibits with my best friend: Me! Thanks for writing — love hearing from you.
Dear Jennifer: You have nailed it! Be open, be ready, be delightful and the world will seek you out. Many thanks for adding your wonderful point-of-view. E.
Hey!
Dining (for that matter doing most social activities) alone is everyday for me. And it’s fun. You actually feel like a soaring scoring eagle ticking off on non-alone diners and in the process pick up fodder for mental doodles, smirks and musings. I am at present reading ‘Letters to a young Poet’ by Rilke where he gives ‘solitude’ an infinite and deep expanse. Honestly, it’s very me
E, you better come down to my place and we’ll have a table for 2 please
In admiration
Sreemanti
P.S. – I could die for the fab confidence you exude. it’s quite an ambition for me.
Dear Jobless/Jobbed: Screw Rilke. Solitude has its virtues but not on a daily basis. I want you out and about, exuding savoir flair, and oozing enthusiasm. I’m ready for that dinner — name it and I’m there! Your fan, E.
You coming down to India then? (wink)
Dear Job/Jobless/Publisher: I would love to come to India. Make me an offer I cannot refuse. (Wink). Thanks to you I know when I’ve hit a bullseye. Your friend, E.