These 5 Reasons for Dining Alone, were snagged from an article by Natasha Noman at Mic Network. You can read it in its entirety here:
https://mic.com/articles/141886/5-reasons-dining-alone-is-good-for-your-health-and-surprisingly-your-social-life#.JWEhwriuc
1. You will eat at your own pace.
2. You’ll get some time to yourself.
3. It’ll be a heightened sensory experience.
4. You might make new friends.
5. The company’s guaranteed to be great.
Spending the majority of my adult life dining alone I have found there to be many benefits that I believe you can only realize by actually experiencing them. I’ve talked with many people over the years that have told me they cannot and/or will not dine out by themselves. Even more won’t travel by themselves. To each his own but I personally give a 5 Heart Rating to doing things alone, including dining.
One of the best experiences I have ever had dining was with friends. Another one of the best experiences I have had was when I dined alone. I do not recall how I found this wonderful Italian restaurant about 15 years ago in Boston but I did and I am so glad I did! I wish I had taken note of the name of the restaurant. Especially since it was one of THE best dining experiences of my life! Very un-5 Heart Rating of me don’t you think?
When I walked in the door I was greeted with thick Italian accents and some bewilderment at the fact that I was a party of one. The gentlemen especially made such a big deal out of it. I had about 5 people waiting on me and the owner brought complimentary foods and Prosecco and dessert to me. The food was fantastic! Some of the best Italian I have ever had.
Meanwhile, as I am enjoying the best table in the place right next to a window I watched THE most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. It was a magical experience all the way around.
Another “dining alone” experience happened at yet another great Italian-owned restaurant. Our landscaper’s family! It was New Year’s Eve and the family had brought a band all the way from Italy to entertain the guests. Everyone was dressed beautiful and the gentleman at a nearby table was no exception. He was larger than life, wearing a gorgeous tux, and I noticed him chatting with the servers and the owner. (He reminded me of Pavoratti.) I kept saying to my companion that I wanted to invite him to join us’ that it was terrible that he was dining alone. But he didn’t seem lonely at all. It still bugged me. Then… at about midway through our dinner, this gentleman stands up and begins to belt out the most beautiful opera tunes from La bohème and other famous operas. (I distinctly remember La bohème because I played it on repeat the whole time my kids were growing up. They still joke that they learned the words to the beautiful music but had no idea what they meant.)
So it turns out, this gentleman too traveled from Italy for this special NYE celebration. I was moved to tears. I could practically reach out and touch him! (Another similar 5 Heart Rating experience was when I heard a Stratovarius played just feet away from me. Yes, I was by myself then too. And since I was alone and the very intimate performance was sold out, they just brought in anothe chair and placed it right next to the violinist! Violin is by far my favorite instrument. My 31 year-old son just started playing and learned Sunrise, by Coldplay, just for me! Gosh, these stories sure cause me to digress… Anyway, I became friends with the violinist and her husband and my children and I have seen them perform together numerous times over the years. You can read about them by searching 5 Heart Rating or click here: http://www.jeanoshima.com/krechkovsky-loucks-duo/
I’ve had many great experiences dining alone at a restaurant bar. I’ve met great people and have been taken great care of by the bartenders, and had wonderful engaging conversations. Even years later I am still friends with some of these people. I’ll never forget the conversation I had with two people I met at a brewery, yes sitting at the bar, in one of the US southern states. I am ashamed to admit the preconceived summation I had of this couple. Turned out they were both very interesting people – he a rocket scientist, and both very knowledgeable about wine and good food! Definitely a 5 Heart conversation!
I notice a big difference in the experience when I dine with someone. I might still meet people, especially if we sit at the bar, which is almost always the case in the past several years especially, but focus is usually more on my guests or hosts. It’s great too. Just different.
Even if you are in a committed relationship I highly recommend not shying away if the opportunity to dine alone presents itself. You might be surprised. You might even find it to be a 5 Heart experience!
PS Just as I finished writing this, I rememberd yet ANOTHER experience at yes, you guessed it, an Italian restaurant! This time in San Diego, California. This one involved a beautiful harpist. But I digress… again…
