I'm in college and there's this diner that's right across the street from the dorms. I go there once in a while for breakfast. Usually I either forget or I don't even think of asking anyone to come with me, usually because I'm hungry and/or my roommates all have class. Sometimes when I'm in there I see people I know and they all ask the same question "what are you doing eating by yourself?". So yea, any thoughts?
2007-10-25 04:46:54 · 28 answers · asked by mjolnirandgungnir 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I hate when people ask that. I guess for some, eating in groups is a real big deal. But for me (and I bet you as well), I'm really just there for the food. There are other opportunities to be social throughout the day, and I just want to eat without making a big event out of it.
2007-10-25 04:51:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I certainly don't think it is strange or creepy to eat alone in a public place. I eat out alone frequently, and have for years. I always take something interesting to read, but if others that I know come in, I invite them to join me if they like. I enjoy the quiet of eating alone, though. It's my down time, my quiet time. I have never thought much about what anyone else thinks about my dining alone. It doesn't matter to me whether it's Monday morning or Saturday night, a diner or a fine restaurant. I go to enjoy the food and the environment.
I was surprised when my mother expressed surprise that I enjoy eating out alone. She said she would *never* go to a restaurant alone; she would be too self-conscious and worried about what others think. I have friends my age who have told me the same thing, but I don't understand that thinking at all. Why would anyone care whether I eat alone or with a group? In the whole scheme of things, it really doesn't matter. If you like it, go and enjoy and don't let others' presuppositions deter you.
2007-10-25 07:07:14 · answer #2 · answered by reap100 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is absolutely nothing wrong, with eating in a restaurant, by yourself.. some are quite selfconsious about it, just bring some reading material along... everyone has to eat..
Not that many years ago, I travelled frequently for business. At that time I'd stay at hotels, and often go down to the hotel restaurant for dinner, I can't tell you how many times, the maitre'd would refuse to seat a woman alone, they equated, lone women with hookers. I was told to order room service, if I wanted a meal.... Thank goodness, times have changed, and I can go to any restaurant, alone, and not be discriminated against....
so enjoy your meal alone, and don't think twice about what others think...
2007-10-25 06:18:07 · answer #3 · answered by Foggy Idea 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nah ... it isn't creepy or weird.... you go there to eat... what else?
Ask the people who come up to you to sit down with you. That is probably why they are asking anyway... they were waiting for you to say... "Hey, I'm not alone anymore... pull up a chair and have a seat..."
I have a local diner where everyone in town hangs out. You just go in and sit at a 'community' table. We call it the 'Liars Table'. It is called the liars table because all the old guys who come in there swap stories... half truth/half fiction....lol.
2007-10-25 05:02:16 · answer #4 · answered by pink 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I'm in a hurry and really hunry, I don't give a sh1t what anyone else thinks. I know I'm pretty, so it's not like I
m a creep. I go there to eat, and won't wait on anybody. If it's on campus, it's not bad to go alone, as you could be studying or taking a break, but usually people feel when going out to eat, it means socializing, it means brings friends. But honestly it depends on the situation. I don't consider eating by yourself weird, at least you are confident and it shows. Tell them to fcuk off!
2007-10-25 05:58:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't think it's weird or creepy..... some people just don't seem to be able to have their meals on their own, but I don't see what the big deal is. Of course it's more fun when you can go with someone else, but it's not always possible and they shouldn't look at you as if you were an alien just because you ARE able to enjoy your meal by yourself.
2007-10-25 05:14:42 · answer #6 · answered by Lprod 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to go to a diner alone when I was in the U. It's all a matter of how confident you are. If they ask why are you eating by yourself, tell them because you like it.
2007-10-25 15:15:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is not rude or odd in any way, as a single mum sometimes just the sitting down and having some one bring me a coffee KNOWING I was not going to have to wash at least that dish and read the paper in peace and quiet was great beyond belief.
IF them questioning you bothers you that much then drag a book with you, does not even have to be course work, could be one for fun and sit and read that way they would be more likely to leave you alone.
regards and at least you are full of confidence and do not need a gaggle of people around you to feel self worth.
2007-10-25 05:16:51 · answer #8 · answered by candy g 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think in that situation it's creepy or strange. You're going there to eat, not because you're lonely or have nothing else to do. It's not like you're at a nice restaurant on a Saturday night all alone.
2007-10-25 04:57:41 · answer #9 · answered by Sandy Sandals 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its ok to dine alone. I would like to get some "me" time once in a while too.
People just ask cos they don't know you well enough to ask more intimate question. Thus a "how are you" or "eating alone" question will be at their tip of their tongue. They are just being nice.
2007-10-25 04:56:12 · answer #10 · answered by Straight Lead 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋