Going for an Indian...

[jazzactivist]

This evening, after a glorious public holiday, I drove 40 mins down to town to meet my friend for an Indian meal. However, she didn't turn up! As Andy has returned to the Lake District to work I am on my own form this evening, so I was faced with the choice of treating myself to an Indian meal and eating alone in the restaurant (without my book), ordering a takeaway, leaving and coming home to cook. As I know the restaurant owner, I opted to eat in by myself, which I don't mind at all, but it is funny how many other people seem to. While in the restaurant I was chatted up by a lone man ordering a takeaway - invited back to his place to share it, cheapskate! Was invited to join 3 different tables of people, and the restaurant owner kept flapping around ensuring that I had everything that I need several times. How do you feel if you see a lone woman eating out - do you invite her to your table, ignor her, look over curiously...

[franbee]

I think in those circumstances I'd have asked for a takeaway then brought it home to eat in front of the TV with a nice glass of something. I think it's a tricky question, it is a bit strange seeing people eating alone, and I wouldn't invite them to join me, unless it was a cafe at lunchtime, where we often have to share tables.

[Rustic Pumpkin]

I have been single now for a few years (far too many, but I am far too picky, but that is another story) and so I often go out on my own (to the theatre). But I don't think I would go into a restaurant on my own. I do so for lunch, but not of an evening. Think I would have taken the take out option too. You were fortunate, though, that there were friendly people there, but I don't think I would invite someone to join me unless I knew them.

[Pippa]

Another single here and I would eat in restaurant on my own but not a pub, you do get strange looks then. I get sooo fed up eating on my own at home all the time, I go out for a meal sometime, just to hear the buzz of conversation around me.

[Treehugger]

I had an Indian last night as well and my stomach is paying the consequences this morning! I will never learn! On another note, I have no qualms about eating out on my own. If people find it intriguing then so be it! I travelled round the world on my own and therefore got used to my own company quite a bit! I also met some wonderful friends along the way (as well as the odd weirdo!)