Eating Alone – With Age Esteem

I love to travel, but I do admit that it took me awhile to feel comfortable eating alone.

Usually when you are welcomed to a restaurant the person who seats you says, “Just one?” as though there is something objectionable about being alone, and that you must therefore be lonely. As a result, you do feel alone. I used to pull out a book or writing paper to seem busy. Then a friend shared this story.

She and her business partner closed a huge contract in New York. Although her partner had to fly out immediately, my friend decided to celebrate with a delicious dinner and wine at one of the top Manhattan restaurants.

When she arrived the maître d’hôtel looked down his nose at her and announced, “Ah, I see Madam is alone tonight.” My friend’s prompt reply was, “Oh, no, tonight I am with myself!”

Her story changed my outlook from eating alone, to eating “with myself”. I now savor the moment, the food, and the joy of being in my own good company.

Today at the Tampa airport the woman who greeted me asked, “A party of one?” I responded, “Yes. And it is going to be a great party!” – And it was.

Next time you eat out alone, glow with age esteem and make it a party of one.

Bonnie Fatio