I do that too Joy and take my little dog.

I hear you about the anxiety of going certain places alone.

I dislike going to restaurants by myself. Any place I have to order from a menu doesn't feel right. I would do it if I really wanted to, but I tend to go to different places when I'm by myself.

I actually *love* to go to coffee shops and small delis and bakeries and those sorts of places by myself. Not sure why, but those places feel like places to go and enjoy sitting by yourself.

Maybe it's b/c when I'm in a casual place like that, I feel more comfortable pulling out a book or laptop or something to keep myself occupied, whereas at the sit-down restaurant, I feel awkward b/c I'm just sitting there eating and staring around?

I have a wonderful young woman I take to the restaurants. My daughter.
I still have to find someone to take on a cruse.

I know what you mean Rue, about the coffee shops.

I particularly enjoy cupcakes and muffins.

You?

when i go shopping, i always go to this place by myself and have food and a drink. its fun.. i like to shop alone and i don't mind eating alone. you talk to other people and it can be really nice actually
i like the idea of you in a top hat tho!

hey, invite Adam Richman!

been going out with or with out him --love the freedom of making my own choices with out having it his way all the time --the noise under his breath when I order something he does not like and when I order what I like accuses me of ordering it because he hates it---as I sit are people thinking is she loony/loney or is she having a good time enjoying herself........................the only problem with eating ribs by yourself is there is no one to tell you that your face is a mess and you have stuff in your teeth

If 40 plus it's okay, I have seen people eating alone, if young ones, it looks strange.

Gets easier each time you do it Rman. It won't cost as much, plus you can look at the waitresses and not worry if your wife noticed you doing it.

It's all good

R'man, Learn to cook mate.:))

When she who should be obeyed finally comes home, be sitting down with her favourite meal and eat it all yourself.

God, I'm such a bitch.

Vacation alone? Meh, no prob. I started with a week in Alaska last year - amazing! This year? Tents in the Serengeti in East Africa! Yeah, it was hard, emotionally, to get both trips organized, but oh so worth it - I really was having a hard time with it, but I forced myself, and what a gift I gave myself in the doing. And now I eat what I want, when I want, where I want, YES! Back to my old self again (almost)! WHO CARES how people look at you --> enjoy life while you can, it's yours to enjoy. And, for me, it's WAY better without "him"!

Good stuff...I'm now hungry and want a vacation. I'm not sure whether or not I like being by myself. Maybe I do...?

Anyway, thanks for all the input. It's nice to hear different perspectives, sometimes...

you're already by yourself?

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Rman)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Just go and forget your fear. Lots of people do it. You might be surprised at how easy it is. (((Hugs)))

I don't like eating alone, but if I have to I sit at the bar. Then there are tv's to watch, and sometimes I bring a book or magazine. I have had people who were also eating alone strike up a conversation with me, that is always nice. The reality no one really thinks about us as much as we think they do, you eating alone may feel strange to you but people don't really notice.
Hugs and Enjoy Your Ribs