Two Ways to Make Dining Out Alone More Enjoyable

Whilst some people feel just as comfortable eating out alone as they do dining with their companions, others find the experience of solo visits to restaurants quite anxiety-inducing. If you relate more to the latter than the former and you want to dine at a restaurant on your own, the advice presented below could help you.

Be fussy when it comes to deciding where to sit in the restaurant

When you're eating out with others, you can sit virtually anywhere in a restaurant and have a nice time. However, if you're on your own and out for a meal, you should try to be more selective when choosing the part of the restaurant where you will sit and eat your food, as your location could determine how fun this experience ends up being. For example, you might want to pick a corner table, by a window (if the restaurant has windows).

Sitting in a corner may make you feel less 'on show' than if you were seated at a table in the centre of the restaurant where everyone can see you; this could ease any self-consciousness you might feel and ensure that people will be less likely to notice and comment on the fact that you're alone. Likewise, sitting beside a window will allow you to gaze at the passers-by and scenery and use this as a distraction if you any momentary bouts of anxiety. If you enjoy people-watching, it might also entertain you throughout your meal.

Indulge in some decadent dishes and drinks from the restaurant menu and eat them at a leisurely pace

Although dining out with others has its perks, there are also a few downsides to eating in a group. For example, in the past, you may have found yourself not eating quite as much as you wanted to because you didn't want your dinner companions to think you were greedy. Or, you might not have ordered the fizzy, colourful cocktail you wanted because you didn't want to appear unsophisticated.

If you're dining on your own, you should make the most out of not having to worry about making any social faux pas of this kind. If you want to try a few bites of three different but equally decadent desserts, order a second portion of onion rings or drink a fruity, over-the-top cocktail that comes with edible glitter and a silly-looking straw, you can go ahead and do this without anyone around you frowning upon your choices.

Similarly, if you're a naturally slow eater who prefers to consume food in a very leisurely manner, you can take as much time as you want to finish your meal during this solo dining trip and fully appreciate the pleasure of slowly savouring every bite that you eat.

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