Table for One

The art of eating alone

I looked up from my meal and, for the first time in a long time, I noticed the empty chair across from me…

It brought me back to a conversation I’d had a few days before.  “I stayed in last night, I just hate eating alone.”  This caught me totally off-guard.  Here was a savvy solo traveler, telling me that she ate packaged food in her Airbnb. . . while she was in Europe! All because she didn’t want to sit in a restaurant without someone else.

We eat alone at home all the time, so why not in public?

She wasn’t the only one I had heard this from during my trip.  Apparently dining solo is a not-so-fun part of solo travel for some. 

Funny enough, one of the first things I had done on this trip was a solo meal . . . in the EXACT same place I’d had my very first one, back in 2014.  There’s a wine bar on the lower level of Covent Garden that I walked into while I was studying abroad in London.  I was feeling homesick that day and decided on some alone time.  I had left my flat early that morning in search of some activities to take my mind off things . . . and ended up in the basement showroom at Kate Spade, spending hours picking out a handbag (apparently the absurdity of buying an American brand at a ridiculous exchange rate took a minute to catch up with me LOL).  

And then I got hungry.  My options were to either grab something quick from Pret and just keep going, or to treat myself . . . by myself.    

Still unsure of the situation, when the host asked me how many, I struggled to get the words out. “Ummm, one. Please.” I sat down and immediately wanted to stand back up.  But I stayed put.  The longer I sat, the more I realized no one around me cared – or even noticed – that I was alone, except for me.  And then I started to get over myself.

I went all in. Added an appetizer, dessert, and a couple glasses of wine, too!  And with every delicious bite and each passing moment, my comfort and confidence grew. 

And from that day on, every time I ate alone, it got easier (and more fun!).  If I had kept my prior habit of skipping solo meals out, I can’t imagine the culinary experiences I would’ve missed. Moreover, the moments of reflection, gratitude, and just plain enjoyment.    

This is my piece of encouragement for you: when the choice arises, choose to treat yourself.  Choose to show up for yourself. Choose to enjoy the more delightful meal.  And choose to enjoy your own company.  Because I would venture, you’re quite the fabulous dining companion, and a date you definitely don’t wanna miss out on!

So take a seat at the table . . . even when it’s just you.  Because a table for one is plenty, darling.