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Eating Alone in Public

By
Real Estate Agent with Aslan Residential 01483360

While this isn't something I frequently do it is something I occasionally enjoy. This morning I went to church for a one hour meeting. Afterward a Belgian waffle sounded really good. 2 blocks from church there is a place that makes great Belgian waffles so I went alone. A friend calls me on my cell phone while I'm there. I tell him where I'm at. What do you think his first response was? "You're there by yourself?"

Is eating alone in public that taboo? Ladies, I've heard you say numerous times you just can't do it. It makes you feel subconscious, alone, you feel like people are starting at you, etc...OK. Since the female gender can't go to the bathroom alone why would I even think eating alone would be an option? Ladies, you get a pass on this one. Gentlemen, what say you?

Comments (8)

Bill Ladewig
LoanOfficerSchool.com - Escondido, CA
Experience Is Your Advantage

Daniel, interesting blog, I have never given eating alone a second thought.  Me hungry, me eat.  But, with a little more thought I would not eat dinner alone in a nice restaurant.

Dec 12, 2009 07:25 AM
Lisa Walston
Atlas Property Group and Abbey Church Properties - Greenwood, IN

I know you gave me a pass on this one because of gender but I just had to respond. I would be uncomfortable eating alone in a nice restaurant. I don't do it because wait staff ignores me, not to mention I feel like a 17 year old girl who doesn't have a date to the dance. But I frequently eat alone at family restaurants such as you describe. I can think, read, give order to my thoughts and in general just refresh and recharge on a busy day. A fast food drive thru just doesn't give you that. And besides, since I live and work in the same community it sometimes gives me an opportunity to work the room and connect with friends as well as potential clients.

Dec 12, 2009 07:25 AM
Raine Carraway (Michelle Carraway)
EXP Realty - Lenoir, NC

I do it sometimes, but it does feel a little strange. The funny thing is when you stop to eat at times that aren't busy, and end up with a random table-mate. I've had waiters end up hanging out and conversing a few times before. It doesn't bother me, but it seems odd typing that out. The funny thing is it's how I got one of my first clients  - I stopped at a steakhouse for lunch on the way back from taking my RE licensing exam, and the waiter gave me his number and ended up buying a home from me a few weeks later.

Dec 12, 2009 08:11 AM
Peggy Chirico
Prudential CT Realty - Manchester, CT
REALTORĀ® 860-748-8900, Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate

I have eaten alone but it is usually in casual places, like Subway.  I think most of us (women, that is, as long as we are being stereotypical here) think of eating as a social activity so there isn't much fun in eating alone unless you are really hungry. Maybe men, on the other hand, don't think of it as social, just a function, so they find it easier to eat alone.  In fact, my husband loves to eat alone just so he won't have to talk--he can just get to the task at hand! And excuse me, but I can go to the bathroom by myself--LOL!!! 

Dec 12, 2009 08:38 AM
Michael Cole
CPG Tours - Corona, CA

Hmmm... Never thought much about it, but I eat alone all the time. It doesn't really bother me.

Dec 12, 2009 10:56 AM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Daniel ~ I have no trouble eating alone, living alone, going to the movies alone (in fact for movies that's my preference), and doing all sorts of things solo.  Never heard of the stereotypes about women being unable to eat alone.  How was breakfast?

Liz

Dec 12, 2009 11:53 AM
Ralph Brady
Brady Home Inspection - Eureka, CA
The premier inspector in Humboldt

The worst part about eating alone is the time your sitting there waiting for the food to come.  As long as you have a book or newspaper, it isn't so bad.  Once the food is there - no worries.

Dec 12, 2009 01:38 PM
Alexander Harb
Knights Investing - Mesquite, TX
Dallas, Texas Real Estate Investing

I have struck up conversations with so many people when i have eaten alone.... I have gotten a LOT of real estate leads from doin it too....

I have no problem with it............. at all......

=-)

Dec 13, 2009 08:24 AM