Why do I feel so uncomfortable sitting alone in a bar but not in a restaurant?

Question

Can anyone tell me why I feel so anxious and nervous when I enter a bar and sit there alone, but when I do the same in a restaurant, I am perfectly fine?

Answer 1

Because people go out to eat alone all the time, especially during lunch breaks so it's more socially acceptable to eat alone. At a bar, you either meet someone to drink with or you meet new people at bars but if you drink alone, it's like being an alcoholic or depressed which makes you feel anxious because you sub-consciously think people are judging you. It's normal, no worries.

Answer 2

I think this may be normal, when alone in a bar, it's a strange feeling, as if you are wearing a target. Some are there just for hook-ups, and if you're not, it can be uncomfortable. A restaurant doesn't have the same type of pressure. Most people are there to eat. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I guess at the bar, it's a very close, intimate setting where people usually meet up other singles which may contribute to your self-consciousness.
Whereas at a restaurant, it's more of a gathering of families, friends, lovers, etc for a meal and all that. Also it depends on the type of restaurant you go to.
If it's like a diner or a place where they serve buffet, chances are people don't really notice each other because they're too busy eating, lol!
But for restaurants in a posh setting, that's a different story.

Answer 4

It's normal & may be you're not use to nite life especially hanging around with stanger....it's loud & evrybody very loose with their body language ....& in the end you find yourself very stiff & the uncomfortable issue arise .

If you feel comfortable with a friend....it should be fine...hanging out with a group of friends should be fun & then later on get to know the others ...so the next time when you're alone....you're no more a stanger........

As for Restaurant...may be you get use of eating alone & you may have your papers/book with you....so it's just a matter of time.........

In a restaurant you concentrating on your food & after that pay the bill & walk away...while in the bar ..you sit / hang out for a much longer time ...enjoying the atmosphere, the music , the people , the drinks......You don't go to bar just for a quick drink & ask for bill ! ?

Answer 5

People go to bars to meet other people and chat/socialize. But people go to restaurant might be just for eating. That is why it is odd when in a bar you do not have somebody to talk to, you feel like people avoiding you. You feel lonely in the midst of the crowd. I hope I answer your question.

Answer 6

I know what your going through. I used to hang out at bars, but it seemed that i was advertising that i'm lonely, so i tried this new technique that turned out to be succeful. I looked for bars that had female bartenders and ended up talking to them and picked their brain about women...when other women saw me talking and getting along with the bartender chick, they would sit next to me and start up conversation.

Answer 7

Because in bars people's inhibitions are down due to alcohol. Your subconscious knows that you are in more danger there than in a restaurant.

Answer 8

because resturants are more for people with high standards whereas any tom, dick and harry enter the bar. Plus in a resturant people drink to socialise and in a bar weirdos drink until they're paraletic

Answer 9

IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE A PICKUP

AB