Do you ever go out to eat by yourself?

[RLC12345678]

My husband is out of town all week, and you better believe I'm not cooking just for myself! But I always get so self-conscious about going to a restaurant by myself. I'm craving Mexican food for lunch. I guess going to a Mexican restaurant by myself won't be bad. I'll probably just suck it up and do it.

[Janet]

I've done it many times. It doesn't bother me at all. Sometimes, like if I'm out Christmas shopping or something...I will even have a paperback with me just to chill for awhile before going back into the stores.

There has been a couple of times when I've seen an elderly person come in alone I will ask if they want to join me. They really like the company.

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by Janet

There has been a couple of times when I've seen an elderly person come in alone I will ask if they want to join me. They really like the company.

Janet, that is the NICEST thing I've heard in a LONG time! Bless you. I'm too shy I think to ask a random person to eat with me. I love elderly people, though. I used to volunteer at a retirement home and I would play bingo with them and paint the ladies' fingernail for them. It was fun.

[Janet]

Some of the elderly just go out to eat to look at other people and not be alone. You should've seen the look on this one lady's face when I asked if she was meeting anyone. She said no, but was tired of eating alone so she thought she'd eat out for a change.....she was the first one I had ever asked if she would like to sit with me. She was so happy and we ended up talking for over an hour and 30 mintues.

[khardy57]

Janet, that was so sweet! I've eaten out alone a couple of times and I always make sure I have a newspaper or a novel to read.

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

I'm too shy I think to ask a random person to eat with me.

I agree with you, I am too shy to invite someone over, but if they were seated next to me by happenstance, I would most likely chat with them. Don't know what I'd do if someone invited me over.

Anyway, I never do go alone simply b/c I feel awkward ...I used to be more gregarious, but life situations changed and I withdrew.

[Marilyn]

I hate to eat alone and avoid it at all cost. I'll eat while driving somewhere or get food and take it back to the office so I can get on the computer. I do eat out with customers a lot in my work, and during the lunch hour, I don't recall seeing very many elderly out and about in the restaurants I frequent. Will definitely keep a lookout though.

Janet, you have an excellent idea if I can get up the nerve to ask someone to join me. For some reason, though I'm not usually shy, am shy about something like that.

[Janet]

It really doesn't take any nerve at all. I'll sit down and if someone comes in alone and then sits alone, alot of times I will ask their waitress if they are waiting on someone. If they tell me no, I will go over and ask if they would life to join me, I could use the company, that way they don't feel like I know they are or might be lonely. One of the first things I do is introduce myself and then ask if they have been out shopping or I'll say something to the effect that everyone I know is at work and I just needed to get out, but really don't like eating alone.

My first time I wasn't sure what to do when I was ready to leave...so I just told her that "my goodness, I've enjoyed talking with you so much, but the time has really gotten away from me, I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I have." She was ready to go too and I walked her to her car and then we left. I never looked at it as having "nerves", more like compassion.

Originally Posted by Janet

I've done it many times. It doesn't bother me at all. Sometimes, like if I'm out Christmas shopping or something...I will even have a paperback with me just to chill for awhile before going back into the stores.

There has been a couple of times when I've seen an elderly person come in alone I will ask if they want to join me. They really like the company.

Oh my gosh, what a wonderful person you are!! I might have to go out to eat alone, just so I can try that!

[Mandy]

I make a point of taking myself out to lunch at least once a week, i love it...
Like Janet said, there are elderly people looking for company, ive never invited any to sit at the table with me, but i do have chit chat with them when they sit at the next table.

[Janet]

Isn't is a great feeling to know you helped someone feel wanted and that they felt you were really interested in hearing what they had to say? It's awesome! They have some pretty good tales to tell too.

[Tink]

Way to go Janet!
I too go out to eat alone at times. Since my husband is gone EVERY week, I have to either go alone or not go...