Lone Diner….
I was on my lunch break at work the other day, and as I do, I sat there eating observing everyone else around me. I noticed that everyone there was eating with someone, but of the few who were eating on their own, the guys were find with it, but the girls (especially the younger ones) were looking very awkward. I think it has something to do with our natural habits. We always need to be included in a group, and for those younger girls, eating alone has the connotations of being ostracized from their friends/group.
I remember the first time I had to eat alone. It was like the weirdest feeling in the world. You have never felt so alone than at that point when you are standing there, lunch in hand, starving, trying to figure out what to do. I don’t know why exactly, but it feels like the eyes of everyone in the surrounding 2km radius is watching you. They probably aren’t, but it sure felt like it. But now, because it is very hard to have the same lunch break as anybody else, I eat alone most days. And I’ve made my peace with it. I sometimes find it very calming. Strange huh?
I notice a lot of the women who eat alone, tend to call someone up on their phones. I do that sometimes, but I then hang up when I have to eat, because I can’t do the phone, hold my food and masticate at the same time. 
But I think there are some important things when dining alone, that really helps those first time lone diners.
1) Don’t look like it bothers you- If you look scared or worried, other will notice and stare at you more.
2) Find something to do while eating- I usually look around me and watch the people go by, but that’s because I’m weird and I like people watching. But you can bring a magazine or a book, and take your time eating. If you look like you don’t care, people think its normal and carry on their own business.
3) Take your time!!!! Sometimes eating alone can help you calm down and reflect on parts of your life. My only suggestion to this is that don’t think of something too amusing, and then crack out laughing. People will just think you are some looney and get scared of you.
4) Don’t look too angry. There is always someone else who has to dine alone and if you look friendly enough, they may come sit with you, because they don’t want to be alone either. In such situations, you have made a friend. This brings me to the next one.
5) If you do want to sit alone, and don’t want to talk to anyone. May I suggested you sit facing a wall, or at one of those side benches that they tend to have in most food courts/cafeterias. Most people who sit there usually don’t get bothered by other chatty diners.
Basically the main point I’m getting at is that there is nothing to worry about sitting alone. Most people don’t care if you are eating with one or twenty people. They are there to eat too.
I totally agree with you on this one. I used to find it really awkward as well, particularly back in school/uni days. Admittedly these days I’m often so busy I’m trying to eat/answer pages/ write notes at the same time…but if I do eat alone it’s a good opportunity to slow down and reflect on the day thus far.
I totally agree, but it is awkward to eat alone if you’re at a proper restaurant versus if you are at a cafe or at a food court.
Also, I think people find it weird to be out alone on things that are supposed to be social occasions. People should enjoy their moment of silence and have the time to reflect on their day and just relax when they’re at a food court or cafe.
Ya, the trick is to look totally engrossed in what ever you are doing. Either by the food, or bring a book.
Or do lots of writing. :p But once again, what would you do if you wanted to go out to a restaurant but no one was able to go with you?