Dinner for one

Eating alone in restaurants has become a regular thing in my lifestyle—breakfast, lunch, dinner.

It is interesting to see the curious looks around. In places where individuals go with their families or loved ones to relax and spend time together, indulging themselves with the local culinary specialities combined with drinks and wine, I am living my day to day. I will occasionally try the local dishes or indulge in some treats but as special personal celebrations rather than a daily occasion. While others are living this only for a short period, for me, it is my routine.

I tend to be one of the only ones on my own. If there will be wine today, the question always comes up, and (especially in the beginning, when I’m new in the hood) a strange look comes when I say no thanks, tap-water is perfect.

I sometimes feel that the service team asks themselves why I don’t go for the fancy dishes accompanied with wine since I could have it all. Instead, I’m more than satisfied with asking for a simple option or serving myself at the salad buffet. With the passing of the days, it gets normal, the ones around me start understanding my routine, start opening up, and it becomes a relaxed atmosphere without suspicion or weirdness in the air.

Both sides get used to the dynamics. The strange looks from the guests prevail, though -a curious look, not quite understanding or managing to put the situation in a box. Funny feelings.

Why is it so uncommon to see travellers on their own? Sometimes even empathic comments such as “feel free to invite someone (or join us), so you don’t always have to eat alone” come up. I actually like it and don’t mind it at all. Would you? 🙆‍♀️