Taking the bite out of eating alone
Confession: I don’t like eating out alone. On the occasions that I do, well, I feel super uncomfortable. When I travel, I’d rather opt for a take-away or something from the grocery and eat by myself in my Airbnb or hotel room.
That said, I have no qualms about eating by myself at home. So why do I feel self-conscious when I’m out in public? Is it because I feel judged? Is it because I think people take pity on me? Or is it because I have solomangarephobia – the fear of eating alone in public?
And yes, solomangarephobia is a real phobia. I googled it wink, wink. Just like any phobia, you can learn to ride out the anxiety by gradually and repeatedly exposing yourself to what you fear.
Without further ado, here are a few tricks to help take the edge off of dining solo.
Start with a coffee
Of course, this makes sense. There is less stigma around eating alone before 5 pm. Think about it. How many people do you see sitting alone during breakfast or taking a mid-morning (or mid-afternoon) coffee break? Safe spaces to seek out are a coffee bar or a co-working café. And by the way, if you do grab a coffee somewhere, it is acceptable to feign working on your smartphone or laptop.
Watch the world go by
These days restaurants are putting a fresh spin on their design by incorporating communal dining. Some restaurants feature an open kitchen concept that allows solo diners to sit at the counter and observe the chef’s show. Then again, some people swear that sitting at the bar is where it’s at. I gotta say, though, my all-time favorite seat assignment is by a window or on a terrace.
Embrace the uncomfortable
Most seasoned solo diners do not advocate scrolling through your smartphone to pass time. Instead, they advise doing something that enriches your brain or at least offers you the chance to catch up on work or plan your next day’s itinerary. If you’re truly feeling uneasy, then go ahead and bury yourself in a book to take your mind off the awkwardness.
Sign up with social dining apps
For those looking for a “travel companion” during mealtimes, the sharing economy is your new best friend. A slew of social dining websites and apps have popped up, bringing food enthusiasts together for a culinary experience. I haven’t dived into this cultural phenomena but I’ve heard good things about EatWith, Bonappetour, and TableCrowd where solo diners can sign up to dine at people's homes, take up cooking classes, and connect over great food at a restaurant.
