One for the girls. Would you go to a Restaurant alone?????

Question

My husband is always tired, he works weird shifts, and we have no time to go out. Thing is, I like restaurants and was thinking of going to a restaurant, a nice one, alone, for a meal. How many of you ladies out there would deliberately go to a restaurant alone?

Answer 1

Of course I would go alone.

I can't imagine why your husband would have a problem with  you doing that.

Answer 2

Go with a girl friend for a fancy lunch.  I do it all the time since my husband is like yours.  It costs half of what it would for 2 of you, so you can splurge on your choice.  My daughter and I go out once a month for lunch (when the prices are less and they give you smaller portions). We have so much fun.  I have dined alone when I have been out of town for a conference for my work, but it wasn't fun and I took a book to read.

Answer 3

I would go to a restaurant alone if I really wanted to. Men do it so what is the difference? I often go to McDonald's and the cinema by myself. Even had a few nights out by myself - pubs and clubs! Just go for it and I bet you will have a great time and want to do it as soon as you can again. Have fun!

Answer 4

I was single for most of my 20's and early 30's  and I', also a bit of a foodie so I didn't have much choice ! I used to love eating out alone. I'd take a book or a magazine with me  and found the wait staff were usually much more attentive because I was on my own.

Answer 5

I would.  I have seen single ladies and men go into nice restaurants.  But....I always feel a little sorry for them, coming to a nice place by themselves and having no one to share it with.  I say you should do it.  If your hubby can't share it with you everytime, then you should go when the mood strikes you.

Answer 6

I would.  I would enjoy the peace and quiet, the service,  and the good food.  I love Olive Garden and if there was one in the town I lived in or withing a 20 min drive I'd eat there once a week.

Answer 7

There is nothing wrong with going to a restaurant alone, personally though its not that I'm too shy to do it, but it all depends on the restaurant. I would happily go to Wagamamas or Ask by myself because you could ways take a magazine with you and read it. But other restaurants i just wouldn't.

If you really want to go, just do it and if you feel happier taking a note pad with you just do. You shouldn't miss out on things because your husband works strange shifts and is tired

Answer 8

I have went several times!  I enjoy it, sometimes I take a newspaper or magazine and just enjoy the peace!

Answer 9

It depends on the restaurant, like where it is located, and it's neighborhood..

Answer 10

I live in England with my boyfriend so I would normally go out for dinner with him but I don't mind going there alone once in awhile, I used to do it before I had a boyfriend too. Its just having some time to myself no and again.

Answer 11

i've also wondered whether to go alone, just for fun and a break!! i don't think it's fair at all for your husband to say you must only go with him, yet he won't go. so basically he is saying you can't go for dinner on your own? it's not even like you are going clubbing or something!! just sneak off there, go out somewhere, ask for a quiet table in a corner and relax and savour your meal in your own time :) have fun!!

Answer 12

Ha ha, when we were first looking for a house in Cyprus, i spent two months there on my own. After the first week of eating in on my own, i decided to take the bull by the horns and go out for the day. I went on a boat trip from Agia Napa ( no, not a booze cruise!! I wasn't THAT brave!!) but I really enjoyed the day, even though I was on my own, and then, when I got off the boat, I went to one of the restaurants in the harbour, and ordered myself a beer and a meal! I was fine until my meal came ....then I suddenly felt like Shirley Valentine!!!! I just felt that everyone was watching me and feeling sorry for me being on my own!! ( purely my imagination running riot!!) But, having said that....it gave me a whole lot of confidence, and I've done it several time since then....especially if my husband is away working, or is back in the U.K. I often pop into a bar too, just for a beer.....I pick myself a nice seat by a window and watch the world go by, or maybe read a newspaper.

Go for it!! Find yourself a good restaurant, and find yourself a table that is comfortable for you. You're bound to feel strange and nervous at first, but that feeling soon goes, and you'll soon relax and enjoy yourself. Go for it, and have a good time! Enjoy!!

Answer 13

As much as I love food and restaurants, I wouldn't go if my boyfriend didn't want to go. I would be so lonely! But I'm one of those people that gets lonely no matter what. Why not go with a girlfriend?

Answer 14

i would go. i mean if i enjoy it why waste a possible fun night? you can always call up a friend.

Answer 15

i actually really enjoy going to restaurants by myself sometimes. it gives you time for yourself, and its really relaxing. im a server so im always at a restaurant and it more common then you think for people to dine out alone. you should try it and if you really don't like it then don't do it again. you may love it and start to do it monthly!

Answer 16

No I wouldn't. I'd probably invite a friend to join me. I always need someone to talk to!

Answer 17

no. that would suck

Answer 18

Firstly, well done you for thinking of doing something on your own - of course you can.  I loved your 'food critic' idea, and what is more, if the staff think you are, you may get better service?  However, if that is what you want to do, go do it.  You have a choice, but the likes of myself, often do not.  I am on my own and would never eat out if I didn't,  from time to time, go and enjoy a meal somewhere alone.  I should say though, it really depends where you are going to choose.  I spent a lot of time in Thailand - alone - and ate, daily, at numerous places of differing calibre.  There, thankfully, staff are brilliant and you always get chatting, and not only with them, but other expat tourists.  However, in UK, where I am now, it isn't the same.  People just don't interact and talk to each toher in the same way.   I could do lunch happily, but would feel a bit of a numpty in a posh evening restaurant, especially if surrounded by couples and groups  as would be the case.  If hubby doesn't want to go to the places you do, why not try and start a diner's club of your own, low-key, like minded people etc - perhaps put an ad in local paper, and then see what happens.  I am sure that there will be many others out there just like yourself (and myself) who would love a meal out at a place they otherwise would not go alone.  Good luck with it.  Let us know what you come up with.

Answer 19

awwwwwwwwwww..i feel for u.. if my husband wuz not giving me anytime, i wold go eat out as much as i could to show him how he is acting like  he needs to know that he needs to take u out on a long dinner just the two of you.. do u know wut i mean???

Answer 20

I go to a diner for breakfast or lunch if nobody is available to go with me.  I'll sit at the bar with something to read.

Answer 21

i do it

Answer 22

I would also suggest finding a gf to go with. Girl's nights out are great.

Because of my education, my bf and I have spent a lot of time apart. I have gone to the movies and restaurants by myself. Take a book to read....one you have really been wanting to read.

*** If your husband is saying you "must only go with him" you two need to discuss his apparent possession issues. While you are married, you are still your own person and doing something as innocuous as going to eat a nice meal by yourself shouldn't phase him in the least. My bf encourages me to go out when we are apart. Like someone else said, you don't want to miss out.

Answer 23

I eat alone at restaurants.  Do you know how many things you could miss out in life if you are always waiting for someone to do it with you?  I have visited over 25 countries, most of the time on my own.  I meet people and dine with them sometimes.  Often, I eat on my own.  Bring a book, magazine, notebook, etc. if it makes you feel more secure.  There is nothing wrong though with you just enjoying your own company and a nice meal.

Answer 24

I too am married and my husband works late some nights, however as much as I would love to eat at my favourite restaurants, I just couldn't do it alone. To me dinning is all about the company and conversations I have as appose to the meal it self.

Why not try cooking, I always enjoy that rather then going out by myself.

Or arrange a girls night.

Good luck, I hope you have more confidence then me and try it out! ;)

Answer 25

Absolutely, I have done it.  I use to travel for work, and would go to a nice restaurant alone, and enjoyed it.

Answer 26

I know how you feel.  And there is nothing wrong with that.  I feel a little awkward going by myself and the truth is, half of the fun is having someone to share the experience with.  Don't you have a friend that could maybe go to dinner with you once in a while?  Plan a girls night out with?  Wouldn't that be more fun?

Answer 27

Absolutely. I love my family, but adore the break sometimes, and the time to myself. I take a magazine or book with me and read. You don't feel quite so awkward then.