Why do folks go to a restaurant and eat a meal alone? I just don’t understand?

Question

First off I must STRESS, I’m not talking about people that are on business travel. I understand people on business doing it. I’m talking about people that are close to home & decide to go to a restaurant alone.

I just don’t understand the following steps one goes thru when eating alone:

- decides to forego the food in their home (if no food it would make sense to go to a grocery store)

- actually gets in vehicle and drives to restaurant

- asks to be seated for ONE

Now as your seated, what the h**l do you do when as you wait for the meal?

Then the meal is served and you simply eat it… What is the point?

To me, going out to a restaurant is a chance to talk with someone & enjoy intelligent conversation over a meal. Going alone, you are just fulfilling the act of eating. Sounds like something a caveman would do.

Not to mention, there are no booths for one or tables set for one.

Someone please explain?

Answer 1

Hey I give them credit...They don't let people like you keep them down or from leaving their house. Just because they are ON their own doesn't men they are ALONE...They don't have to give up great food and eating out and enjoying life.

Its peaceful, its relaxing...they can read a book, just enjoy the atmosphere..Nothing wrong with that!!

Answer 2

Some people, such as myself, enjoy their own company...personally, I live alone and actually prefer it that way. People are different; I've known people that can't stand to be alone...to each his own I always say...

Answer 3

I was a waiter for 9 years and i used to think the same thing until I actually tried to think about why they were alone. Some people are just lonely and like being around people. Imagine you're a widow(er) or divorcee with no kids in the house. I imagine being alone in the house day after day can be pretty depressing.

Answer 4

Dining out alone is awkward and not something everyone would do, but some people do it. I have dined alone. There have been times when I didn't want to eat home all by myself, my friends were busy, my family lives out of state and I wanted a change of atmosphere. I usually bring a book to the restaurant and have never had a problem with it. I am a people person however, and do prefer eating with people both at home and out! Yes, I agree, dining is social, but sometimes you simply want to experience a restaurant and you may have no one to share it with that particular day.

Many places I frequent have counters where regulars come to dine alone. It's really not as bad as you describe it.

I like being with people, but there are many who like being alone. Sometimes, I prefer time alone myself! The point? Live and let live!

Answer 5

Wow. This really seems to bother you. The way I see it, sometimes you'd rather sit at a busy restaurant than be cooped up at home or at work. It can actually be peaceful to just be able to sit and enjoy your food alone while also taking in your surroundings. This may be a crazy concept, but going to a movie alone can actually be quite enjoyable too. Maybe you shouldn't knock it until you've tried it.

Answer 6

as a mother of 3 I sometimes treat myself to a nice dinner ALONE and I love it. It is one time that I can order a good meal, eat it at my own leisurely pace and not have to watch my food get cold as I am dealing with the kids, so every so often (maybe 2 times a year) I treat myself. Some people dont always go for the companions of other people. We actually go to eat in a relaxed atmosphere different form our normalcy.

Answer 7

how about the person is just hungry and wants a meal prepared by someone else?

I love breakfast at a local diner, and I don't mind eating there before work by myself.

Answer 8

Silly question! To sit at the counter and talk to the waitresses, of course! Or to the guy next to me at the counter! I do it almost every day at lunch and sometimes other meals.

You meet great people and accomplish a lot in addition to just eating. Heck, haven't you ever heard of "counter-intelligence?" lol

Answer 9

Sometimes there is so much going on at home. You just want to get out and have a bit of time to yourself. Maybe, to think or to have a break.

Answer 10

I am a server and I had a  lady in the other night who was eatign by her self and through conversation found out her husband had passed away  baout 8 months ago.. it was her first time away from the house since he had passed on ...not to mention it was his favortie place to eat  so she  just wanted to get out of the house and said she very much enjoyed me talking to her .. so my feelings are they are like everyone else and just want a  god meal out once in while and maybe some adult conversation...

Answer 11

In this earth all are not like you nor you are like others. Its individual likings. You do your way and let others do their way.

Answer 12

For some, it's just the idea of getting out of the house and treating themselves to something nice. Also, just being in the environment of a restaurant, surrounded by other people can, be a nice change from being alone.

Answer 13

I actually find this question a tad silly...how about the people who like spending time on their own away from the stress of work or family or yes, sometimes even their friends? Maybe they like the food there, maybe they are treating theirselves, maybe they just don't want to cook and refuse to eat the sad offerings at fast food joints. I dine on my own occasionaly, I have friends and family I could ask to go with me but sometimes it's just nice to be able to sit back and have some good food (that you didn't cook) and not have to worry about holding a conversation with anyone, I sometimes bring a book to read while waiting on the food. I once read an article that it takes a lot of self confidence and courage to dine out alone, remember that the next time you see someone "alone".

Answer 14

I don't feel uncomfortable eating alone.  I've done it after work before going home, waiting for someone so we can go to a movie, or after a hectic day of shopping and I just need a bite to eat.  I usually have picked up a magazine or book and I just read while waiting.

Answer 15

I agree with all the answers here.  It's gonna be tough for you to choose a best answer.  Here's some more:

Don't like to/don't know how to cook a meal - or---

Really, really, enjoy the food at the restaurant - or---

Think they don't have time to prepare the salmon, steak, etc., they are en route to a destination - or---

Are too depressed to face company