A Question on Dining Alone

[Isla]

This may seem like a dumb question, but... I hardly ever go out to eat (maybe 4 or 5 times a year) so I don't even have much experience in dining out, period.

I'm going out to eat in a little while (probably to Macaroni Grill or something similar) and I'll be dining alone.

Is that weird thing for a woman to do? Should I take a magazine or something so I will look preoccupied? I know if I don't have something to do, I will start dancing around in my seat and playing with my silverware while I wait to be served. I have a hard time sitting still for very long.

Maybe it's not such a good idea?

 

[Gatsby]

Its just me but I try never to eat alone.. (I'm male BTW)
If I do.. its usually cause I have something important to rush to and do not want to force my group to eat with me. I hate to eat and run. its more fun to sit down and talk.

When I do, I usually bring a book or a magazine with me so I look occupied or better yet bring some simple work so you look like an important perosn.

Gatsby

 

[Viper GTS]

Eating alone is a very depressing activity.

Better than a magazine, take a vib... err...

Never mind.



Viper GTS

 

[geno]

Doesn't Mr. Isla ever take you out to dinner?

I'd say it really depends on what kind of restaurant it is. If it's something classy, then you may look a little more out of place. If it's someplace that you could have a casual meal at, then you should be fine.

 

[cxim]

go & enjoy yourself...

Act confident & you will look confident.

Watch the other people.. Something funny will happen if you look for it.

Remember no dishes to wash !

 

[Double Trouble]

Nothing wrong with eating alone, but if you get bored because there's no companionship, take something along to occupy your time, something like a magazine. Don't worry about making it look to others like you're busy, do whatever makes YOU feel good. Relax, read a magazine, have a nice dinner....

 

[Isla]

hmmm, thanks for the input. I'm glad I asked... I see it is not just me.

No, Mr Isla doesn't take me out except for on special occasions. It's just not something he was raised with. I took him to his first Chinese restaurant when he was 23~! My sister and I go to lunch semi-regularly, but lunch is different than dinner.

Maybe I should go to TGIFriday's instead of Macaroni Grill? Macaroni Grill is a step up from TGIFriday's and Bennigan's.

So, if I take something to 'study' and it's not a fancy place, it will be ok?

BTW, Thanks guys. I AM hungry and I don't want to cook or clean!

 

[Cable God]

aaaaawww now Isla, maybe we should show up and "dine" with you

 

[Ariel]

There is nothing wrong with dining alone. I would probably sit at the bar and bring a magazine or the newspaper or something. If you sit at the bar, you can at least watch and talk to the bartenders if your reading material is not interesting. Have fun!

 

[Yeeny]

cxim is on the right track. Not only do you have no dishes to wash, there will be no kids fighting, and nobody to wait on hand and foot. Enjoy yourself for me too!

And bringing something to read should be fine. Have fun!

 

[Isla]

You'll have a loooooong drive, cablegod!

I am going to go do some Christmas shopping and then reward myself with a nice meal.

It may be quieter than usual around here tonight!

 

[stonerdave]

Yeah, I've eaten alone before...and still do. And go to the movies!

 

[Pretender]

Convince him to eat something there, something not on the plate. I hope you get the point.

 

[Cable God]

<< Convince him to eat something there, something not on the plate. I hope you get the point >>



If he doesn't take that, beat him upon the head with a cast iron frying pan, because he is a fool

 

[PCAddict]

When I go someplace to eat by myself, I sit at the bar (or counter if it's a diner). That way it's a less obvious/awkward situation.

 

[Napalm381]

<< I took him to his first Chinese restaurant when he was 23~! >>

Damn. I remember going to Chinese restaurants when I was 4 years old. Take him out for sushi sometime and see what he thinks about THAT

 

[Total Refected Power]

Eating alone blows. I'd either get something fast or bring a book/magazine at a casual place. But don't care too much since most others could care less as well!

I would get Mr ISLA off his duff and take you out more!! At least once a month. Its good for the relationship.

 

[yakko]

Take something to read with you. I eat alone at least once a week and I always bring something to read.



<< Maybe I should go to TGIFriday's instead of Macaroni Grill? Macaroni Grill is a step up from TGIFriday's and Bennigan's >>


I went to Macaoni Grill once and I thught they sucked. I did go to T.G.I. Friday's today though.

 

[Namuna]

Here's another vote for eating at the Bar.

- Less conspicuous
- Less wait to get a seat
- Faster service

There's even some restaurants that cater specifically to on the road professionals (Lone Diners).

 

[UG]

<...take a vib... err...> --Viper GTS



Isla;

WTF do you care what other people think? Take something to read and enjoy yourself. Stop worrying about people who don't know you, and what they might be thinking of you.

Fear is the mind killer.

In lieu of reading, you can entertain yourself with mind games you play on all those other people around you whom you suspect might be thinking terrible things about you: loudly flirt with the waitress. You'll then be in effective control of what those around you are thinking about you.

Wink at a couple goys and make them think they have a chance, too. They won't hold it against you.

Go out to eat, and have fun!

 

[Batti]

Having travelled for business extensively, I've done this many, many, many times. I prefer to have something to read myself. Keeps me from fidgeting tooo much.

 

[Isla]

Hey all, I'm back!

It was kind of fun. I went to TGIFriday's after doing some strategic shopping and sat at the bar. I did some people watching, but I kept thinking how cool it would have been to have you guys to chat with while I ate! I really need a laptop.

Oh, we have talked about how we need to go out together at least once a month, but it never happens. He goes out to eat for lunch regularly, so he isn't really 'longing' for it like I am. He went all out with a home theater, so he wants to rent or buy DVDs instead of going to the movies.

We have different styles, so we have to adjust.

I did get a ROYAL treat a couple of months ago. My sister took me for all all-expense paid trip to Sante Fe and Taos New Mexico, and we went to THE finest restaurants, ones you read about in magazines! I am STILL smiling from that... that was the best time I have had as an adult, ever!

 

[Elita1]

Wow, Isla. Your last post hit real close to home with me!
My husband and I haven't gone out together in months; partly 'cause it's hard to find a babysitter but mostly because he also just completed his home stereo setup (complete with a minimum of 4 needless speakers, 4 video game consoles and a sonic boom volume level--GROAN)
and have spent every weekend renting DVDs ever since. He also eats out almost every day of the week so when the weekend comes and I'm tired of cooking and suggest going out I usually get a very gentle reminder on how we shouldn't spend so much money on eating out. Grrrr...

(Guilt kicking in)We both love watching movies, however and I do agree that we should limit going out cause we're not wealthy...(SIGH) but I'd like a night out sometimes.
All women do, I guess.
Sorry I rambled at ya.
Hope you had a nice time!

 

[Crimson]

4 to 5 times a YEAR?!? Its not unusual for my wife and I to go out to eat 4-5 times in a WEEK.. I almost always go out to eat at least once a week, but average probably 2-3 times. Isla and Elita1 I think your husbands are really neglecting your needs.

Isla - You said the time you spent with your sister was the best time you ever had. Shouldn't you TELL your husband about that if he doesn't know? And if he DOES know, don't you think its very selfish of him to ignore something you REALLY enjoy? If you husband won't comprimise (Even though it sounds like he goes out on business??) more than 4 to 5 times a year, I think thats really wrong. Marriage is all about comprimise.

I was also a little shocked about your statement about wanting a laptop at the restaurant with you.. I don't mean this in a bad way but don't you have any friends outside of the computer that could go with you? You definitely need to have human interaction with other people outside of your husband.. Go with your mother, father, sister, brother, co-workers, etc.. If you husband won't go with you, you could at least go out with others who might enjoy it as much as you do..

Elita1 - You say that your husband just bought this massive home theatre setup.. Regardless of how wealthy you think you are(n't), if you can afford that you can afford to go out to eat once a month! Nobody said it has to be expensive! Movies are fairly cheap during the day, combine that with some coupons and you get get away with 2 people for around $10-15.. Going out to eat doesn't have to be expensive either, check into getting a coupon book for your area, some of the nicest restaurants in the city have buy one get one free coupons in those books.. I am shocked about what you two said...

Let me give an example.. I _HATE_ shopping.. I absolutely dispise going to the mall, ESPECIALLY during xmas. Yet I most definitely go shopping more than 4-5 times a year with my wife, because I know she enjoys it. I just went today as a matter of fact.. She knows I hate shopping, but she also enjoys my company and opinions when she shops, so I do give in many times and agree to go with her. Both of you let your husbands know that you enjoy going out.. obviously money/finances is an issue, but with the correct planning you can go to very nice places for very cheap.. I think both of you are missing out on a lot if you don't try to change things immediately!

 

[Double Trouble]

<<so he isn't really 'longing' for it like I am>>

Taken out of context, this could be quite an interesting statement

I have the same situation at home, except I'm the guy... I eat out just about every day for lunch (clients, meetings etc), and when the weekend comes around, I'd rather sit on my butt sometimes and eat a nice home meal instead of going out......

We still go out at least 2 times per week though. You have to do that to keep things fresh.....