Go on. Stare, stare!
I have to wonder why people always seem so fascinated when I’m eating alone and I pull out a book. Do they expect that I’ll sit here staring into space in silence or maybe just natter on, talking to an invisible dining companion?
Clearly I have to find the perfect “dining alone” activity. Perhaps bringing in a model ship in a bottle and working on that until (and continuing after?) my food arrives…
OMG, that would be PRICELESS. You should not only do that, but bring a video camera to record everyone’s reactions in secret …
*laughs* I know exactly what you mean. I usually whip out a book when I eat alone. People around usually have this aww-look-at-her-she’s-eating-alone-poor-dear look. What’s wrong with eating alone I say?
What an interesting idea – a model ship to work on. I suggest you take a look at my website and you’ll find some places where it’s comfy and actually enjoyable to be on your own 🙂
@Chris: I think I’d need a camera crew for that. It’d make a great YouTube video, but then I wouldn’t be alone!
@Haizum: Absolutely nothing, I say. If I really want to mess with people’s heads, I bring a journal or a notebook and write about the dining experience. Makes them think I’m a critic.
@wendy: Thanks for the link-drop, but it looks like your site is for those in London, which I do plan to visit one day, perhaps even on my own, but I didn’t see much information for those in the states.
Yes indeed, if you ever visit London it would be of use. I’m adding NYC very soon – we have a team of not lonely at all diners out there, very happy ones actually!
I sometimes suspect it’s not the act of eating alone that’s doing it, but the act of reading a book. My God! Who does that anymore?
@Brian: You make a very good point! Maybe I should act as expected and just talk on my phone the entire meal. 🙂
I agree, taking a notebook puts you down as a critic or writer and people assume you’re doing something special… Weird that having something to eat and putting a few thoughts down on paper would be seen to be something extraordinary. There’s a revolution on its way I hope 🙂