Eating Alone in Public was always out of my League

Until few years ago, I never embraced solitude – I had always been a people person. I avoided dining alone for years, falling prey to the myth that it was a dull and boring practice, despite having no experience with dining solo.

I always found joy in the company of others and never considered going out alone, especially for a meal. Eating alone in public always seemed daunting, making me question my self-conscious. I always perceived eating alone as a sad affair, but to others, it may be another part of their routine. I would forgo my dinner as I never considered a meal if it is done alone.  

Recently, I discovered a whole new side of myself. One evening, I was out alone and was starving. Somehow, I mustered the courage to dine in alone in a restaurant as I was left with no choice. Stricken with awkwardness and discomfort, I stepped inside the restaurant and ordered food by myself. As I ate, I frequently glanced around to ensure that nobody was staring at me.

As I was having my meal, something unexpected happened - I started to feel comfortable. I wasn’t just eating I was reconnecting with myself. What had seemed intimidating at first became an enriching experience. I realized that eating alone isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about nurturing your soul and delving into self-discovery. It’s an experience worth trying, offering a deep connection with oneself in several ways, such as:

 1) Embrace Solitude – It is often perceived as a bad experience, but it is quite liberating. When you eat alone, you are not bound by any social convention. There is no pressure to make any conversation, please others, or worry about how much food you are taking. This freedom allows you to focus completely on yourself, your food, your thoughts, and your emotions.

2) Feel More Independent – Being independent doesn’t mean only the ability to manage your finances or living alone. It’s more about feeling comfortable in your own company and take your decisions independently. Mastering the art of eating alone builds confidence in your choices and eliminates the need for external validation. It’s a reflection of inner strength and self-assurance. It shows your true strength of character.  

3) High on Emotional Intelligence – It is an ability to understand and regulate your emotions that allows you to destress, hold effective communication, overcome challenges and get to know yourself better. When you learn to eat comfortably alone, you ditch your self-conscious and usually become high in emotional intelligence. You can connect with yourself more and stop being driven by external forces. It also means that you can handle pressure and adapt to change with resilience.    

 Eating alone gives you fulfilment, calms inner turmoil, help you find peace and value your own time. Spending time with yourself gives you strength to fight with your own vulnerability, provides clarity and direction in your life.

At the end of the day, it’s not about eating alone in public, it’s about embracing who you are, unabashedly and unapologetically. Next time when you eat alone, don’t feel awkward. Instead, see it as an empowering experience.