Advice of the Day: Eat Alone

Today I had lunch alone in a public place.

This is something that you often see advertised in movies or books or even television commercials, but people rarely actually do it. Instead, we are consumed with the need to not look like a loner or a loser or friendless. This entry is to tell you to actually try it. It isn’t as bad as you think.

I got off work at 1 pm, and usually I go home and eat lunch with my mother or boyfriend or by myself. Today I decided to splurge and treat myself to some fast food. I pulled up the the restaurant and planned on going through the drive thru, but instead… I decided to go inside and sit alone. It wasn’t nearly as awkward as I thought it would be. There were 3 other people eating alone, deep in thought or reading a book themselves.

I sat and read part of a book on my kindle and people watched in between. I wasn’t bothered. I didn’t have to have small talk with anyone. I didn’t have to time my bites per appropriate conversation. I ate all of my food before it started getting cold. I was able to brainstorm a few new ideas for my blog as well as for my upcoming book. It was really nice and peaceful. It gave me some space to think without being totally alone in my own head.

I would suggest this to anyone who wants a nice place to do some writing or personal reflection. Pick a restaurant or coffee shop, treat yourself to your favorite food and bring a notepad or a book. Just once in a while, try this and notice the difference in the way you reflect and think when you are totally alone verses alone in public.

And if you need somewhere quieter, try your local library.