I also find it strange eating with people, you feel that inclined to talk and I don’t know about you guys but when I’m eating, i absolutely do not want to be talking
I've done most things alone since i was a kid, I'm very comfortable and accepting of myself. i prefer my own company, i can be alone over 90% the time and I'm fine.
I once went to an Indian buffet with someone and he talked and talked and talked. I liked the food there so I later went by myself. I could eat all I wanted without having to engage with anybody.
Restaurant meals, frozen and convenience foods have always been 2,3,4 times more costly than the ingredients to cook and bake at home. I learned basic cooking skills and techniques, cultivated patience then practiced regularly. I actually came to enjoy the ritual after a couple of decades resisting learning to prepare my own meals.
I’ve always done everything alone, from eating out, to seeing a movie, enjoying a vacation… still through all that, Ive been pegged as a “weird” person because I choose my own company to that of others.
I had a similar situation..I finally said to hell with it and started trying new places on my own. That includes with movies and bookstores. The punchline was when I mentioned trying new restaurants and they would ask with a serious face why I didn't invite them. I have to remind them that I did.
As a single and childless man, more than half of my dining out events are done solo. I dine out more often than my friends with children because obviously my bill is much lower. My typical dinner bill for just me at an average full service restaurant is around $30 - 35. A friend of mine said eating out for him, his wife, and four children comes out to around $130.
When you eat alone you experience the full flavor of the food. When you dine with company you feel pressured to talk and the attention is taken away from the food.
Well why would they if they can afford it? None of my friends have complained that it's too expensive. But we're middle aged professionals. Also, we don't typically spend more than $40 each.
As a single person, I don't spend 84$ in a restaurant. I bet that includes several take home meals, but 84 bucks for the average single. I really doubt it.
Well it depends where you dine, for example restaurants like Fogo do Cao charge a lot to dine, and is likely that one will pay more than $84. But at the end of the day it depends where you dine and how much they'll charge you. But I usually pay $54 for just three dishes. Be on the look out for these signs, $= 10, $$=20, $$$=20+, which is a strong indicator that you'll pay more even if solo.
OpenTable is a reservation tracking system ie "fancy" restaurants. They need to show a comparison point of 1 person when it's part of a group as a reference point. I used to eat out a lot back in the day. My average check at dinner would be north of $100. Closer to $200 at my favorite restaurant, but I would sit there for at least 1 hour, but closer to 1.5 hours.
@@thebookkeeper0851no it does not depend on where you go do you not pay attention with being said again the word average is being used the word average meal and average person do not spend $84 for a meal
Plus, with so many different choices of cuisine and price points, it's could be tough to get everyone to agree to a place and remain within their budget.
Eating out alone, having a drink at the bar alone, seeing a movie alone, or even travelling abroad alone. It may be intimidating and liberating when you first do these things, but then becomes completely natural and enjoyable over time.
Everything is expensive with low pay. So, nobody wants to feel obligated to pay for anyone else. This is the real answer that's not being expressed much.
Been eating out alone for over 25 years, what’s nice about it is you can pick anywhere you want to eat. I had Indian food one day and sushi another day, didn’t have to ask anyone.
It's not a trend, i've been doing it for years. Better than eating with someone that keeps taking photos of their food or has their head buried in their phone the whole time..
People are desperate for a third place because they’ve been wiped out in many cases, or it’s just not an option due to time, money, and other responsibilities. I respect those who are able to go out and treat themselves and enjoy time by themselves. In times like these you gotta make the most of the time you spend with yourself.
My thought process in my mid 20’s was: if we are going to die alone, you better be comfortable doing everything alone. I feel empathy for those who are dependent and stressed when they don’t wNt to do things alone
There are too many selfish people now. I would rather be "alone" than be with someone who makes me feel alone even if the means eating out at a restaurant by myself.
I thoroughly enjoy doing things by myself. I eat alone quite often, go to movies and concerts by myself, and also travel solo to many parts of the world. There is a certain amount of freedom and spontaneity that comes with that. There is also a lot less stress when the only person you need to answer to is myself.
It’s the meal, a drink, tax, tip…. It adds up. I get the $35 lunch special but after two drinks, tax, and tip, it’s like $90. Upscale restaurant though.
Dining alone used to be boring, but now that we have smartphones to keep us entertained, a dining companion is no longer necessary, and unlike a human, we can always shut it off.
I really think people desire to go out alone but still feel uncomfortable from fear of judgement. Glad more people are beginning to embrace dining alone. It takes practice. I've learned to like it. I've also learned that the people around you don't really care and that it's more out of our own thinking.
@@crystinamarie1 You're not alone in your reluctance. It takes a few times to own it. I see it more often. And best of all I get to choose where to eat every single time.
@@crystinamarie1 Sometimes I people watch. I like my meal at the bar. Many times I try and sit next to another solo diner if I feel I won't be crowding them. I would sometimes scroll thru my phone, but I might try and talk to the person next to me or watch the TV if there is one. It just depends, but I try and be less dependent on my phone.
@@ericcarson342 sit at the bar. Got it. I usually have my phone with me to look like I'm doing something. I feel like people don't want to chat with me. Sometimes I'll chat up the bartender but they're usually busy. I shall try your approach.
I traveled nationally a lot .. ALOT … for work and never stayed in room for room service … Always went out for dinner alone often eating at the bar if there is room and / appropriate but did not have issues dining outside by myself … actually prefer it over going out with people I really do not want to be out with …
Eating alone is not a novel concept. When I was a kid there were many restaurants with counter service. That went out of style for a long time but maybe it's time to bring it back.
I find that when dining out with family and friends, I pay less attention to the food and sometimes don't even remember what it tastes like as I would be too busy having conversations. Sometimes I revisit a restaurant by myself just to have a chance to appreciate the food more.
Dining out solo is not new, is just that people hadn't taken notice of it. And with people leaving the city, it just means that seeing people eating alone becomes more apparent. I find it quite absurd the idea of having to selling seats per number of people instead of accepting solo diners.
I dine out alone now because most of my friends “expect” me to pick up the bill. I do better than most of them and they “expect” generosity. One guy I knew for 10 years never paid for my meal even once. No such thing as a free lunch.
I expect my companions to pay their fair share, sure. But when the amount I pay is pocket change to me, but equals half their paycheck, that is not fair. If you want things absolutely fair, split the price of the event fairly in proportion to each person's income. Or just offer to pay for the meal if they cover the tip. Any discrepancy is moot, and hopefully you feel less used.
For men dinner alone is way cheaper. And most men if they eat out it will cost $20 at the most. The fancy over priced restaurants seldom will have any solo men in there. I eat to live, I don't live to eat.
News is no longer to inform us of local, national and global events---it's filler material like poll results, studies, social, consumer and tech trends. So basically....fluff.
Dining alone is, also, a way to make new friends and meet new people. Personally, doing things I enjoy alone has taught me how to have fun with people I don't like -- if that makes sense. I just detach and do me.
Eating alone is a kindness and a treat to oneself. I really love seeing all my friends (preference for 1-3 people together) but I also really enjoy eating alone every once in a while, it helps me unfurl the happenings of the day. Everyone should try it. ❤
Not only do I eat alone, but Ill also eat in my car. One great thing that came from covid was curbside. I’ll either do that or drive thru, but less interaction the better. The only time I will actually sit and eat is if I’m meeting someone. I can watch tv on my phone in my car, park somewhere with a nice view, and do not have to worry about the extra that comes with eating out. For me, it’s about things opening up that weren’t available before, again, curbside. I’ve realized I just prefer that over eating out. Service has gone downhill too and everybody wants a handout. You order online and there’s a tipping option that’ll automatically input a tip. Lol, absolutely not. Service is not where it used to be, but also eating in my car I can decide when I want to leave as I don’t have to wait for the waiter.
For the past two years I've been dining out by myself every few weeks for a couple of reasons. Most of my friends and family are vegetarians or don't eat seafood, so if I want to try out a steakhouse or seafood boil restaurant, there's not many people I can go with. Additionally, many of my friends' schedules don't allow for us to hang out super often. Since I live in NYC, there's always new restaurants I want to check out, so I've just started going on my own. I've noticed that a few years ago some reservation platforms wouldn't allow reservations for single diners (you had to have a minimum of two guests for the reservation to successfully go through), but I haven't encountered that lately.
Some of us are on a diabetes prevention program. Logging what we eat is a part of the program. Taking a picture of what we eat makes it easier to log our meals.
I eat at home and sometime I do take outs. $84 is the amount I don't spend dining out alone. I'm 50 and enjoy being independent. My mother who lived with me most of my life, passed away in 2022 and I do miss her at times and her cooking. I came a long quite well for almost 2 years without her. Thank you all for reading this, I had to comment.
I don’t eat out anymore as a solo diner. The service is a hit and miss while tip percentages get higher. Even when there are tables you get seated at the bar. Not worth the price point anymore.
I've also been doing this for years for a number of reasons. I solo travel to other countries, so I obviously have to eat alone doing that. I also have social anxiety and eating out alone is one thing that has helped me build my tolerance because I can be around others without necessarily having to interact. I am an only child too, so I never really saw it as that groundbreaking.
$84 for a single person?!? That’s why they’re eating alone! Can you imagine having to pay for two?!? Where on earth are these people eating where that’s considered “average?”
This is a trend? I've been doing this since I was a teenager. I love "me" time. I love shopping alone, going to the movies alone and yes, eating alone. I have plenty of friends, a husband and kids and I make time for all of them, but I definitely need alone time once in a while. Nobody is rushing me at the store, I don't have to compromise on where to eat or what to watch at the movie. I love it.
I prefer to dine with a group but when I want to dine alone it's usually lunch because 1) I'm a senior on a fixed income & lunch is less expensive, 2) lunch has more sensible portions, 3) lunch often offers the same dishes as dinner, and 4) I can go for a walk afterwards to burn off some of the calories. To each their own.
I think this is kind of sad And a bit antisocial that we’re normalizing, aloneness. I’ve gone out on my own a few few times and I only do it when I’m traveling because I don’t know anyone else. I would much rather enjoy good company.
If there's any option to eat alone at home, there should be an option to do so in restaurants. It's a nice option because a lot of people don't want to eat at restaurants due to feeling weird to not eat with others.
I see lots of cars in restaurant parking lot, I leave. I like eating with my husband and that is all. There are very few others I like eating out with.
I agree that it feels great and I love being around people without necessarily needing to be actively involved in what’s going on. To be able to go out and enjoy great food and good vibes is nice. I think everyone should at least try going out by themselves just to see how they like it. It’s also nice being with people you care about or are interested in, just genuinely having conversations is nice but I think everyone has to find the right balance based on their own preferences and personality type.
Eating out is so expensive - even fast food! Factor in Covid & this story is no surprise. But when I can, it's fantastic dining out with family/friends who respect you & others. Whether you are eating alone or with others: Enjoy!
Because literally everybody is single. East Asia is depopulating rapidly. South Korea, Japan, and China are no longer mating and reproducing. Everybody became hyper-individualistic and will die alone until 1 billion becomes 500 million then 300 to 100 to 50 million Chinese within a century.
I once havd this Uber driver she was an older lady and she went on and on telling about how she waited hours to get served at a restaurant when she went alone. . . I didn't have the heart to tell her restaurants don't like single diners it makes everybody sad. . . Sad people
Being alone doesn’t mean loneliness. It is nice to be alone …
Depends on whether or not it is by choice.
Keep on lying to yourself.
@@HumptyMcFly if I were a betting man, I’d say they’d rather be alone than with you.
Indeed
@@HumptyMcFlyhow is he lying? lol
As an only child and an introvert…. Solo is the way to go !!! Love it
Much more peaceful.
Stress free life…
@@irmaiz133 facts
@@bourjoism3917 😉
Same.
Been doing this for years, eating with others requires too much planning/waiting around
and pay for them and can't avoid big tips
so being without God has it merits, or be with Satan
I also find it strange eating with people, you feel that inclined to talk and I don’t know about you guys but when I’m eating, i absolutely do not want to be talking
I hate being the only one in a group being at a restaurant on time, and I have to try to convince the waiter that my friends are coming "soon."
@@Rico401Prov who cares, just talk to your imaginative friends
Finally. Common sense prevails. Eating alone is a luxury! If you can’t eat alone, ask yourself “Do I like myself?”
If I wish to eat out I go and eat out. Having company while eating out is great but not necessary
I've done most things alone since i was a kid, I'm very comfortable and accepting of myself.
i prefer my own company, i can be alone over 90% the time and I'm fine.
😂😂😂😂
I once went to an Indian buffet with someone and he talked and talked and talked. I liked the food there so I later went by myself. I could eat all I wanted without having to engage with anybody.
The thing about dining solo is you have to avoid their peak hours or you would be seen as wasting their precious space.
More diners are eating at HOME! Hidden fees, inflated prices, tips. No thanks.
This! If I'm eating alone, I might as well just get to-go and eat at home.
Facts! I food shop every week and still spend less than I would at 2 restaurants
Restaurant meals, frozen and convenience foods have always been 2,3,4 times more costly than the ingredients to cook and bake at home. I learned basic cooking skills and techniques, cultivated patience then practiced regularly. I actually came to enjoy the ritual after a couple of decades resisting learning to prepare my own meals.
alot the cooks/chefs in S.D. dont really prepare meals properly anyways. most of us can make mid-level meals at home or do better.
I’ve always done everything alone, from eating out, to seeing a movie, enjoying a vacation… still through all that, Ive been pegged as a “weird” person because I choose my own company to that of others.
I prefer doing things alone. The more people involved, the more you have to wait around on people.
Me too. Love it
Ditto
in the company of strangers- Welcome thou stranger thou art the guest of God
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
My friends are either picky eaters or weird and they never let me pick the place so when I eat alone I actually get to eat where I want to
Yea if it’s just you you get to do what you want no compromises
Or you can just find people to go with that enjoy those same experiences ✋🏼😊
I had a similar situation..I finally said to hell with it and started trying new places on my own. That includes with movies and bookstores. The punchline was when I mentioned trying new restaurants and they would ask with a serious face why I didn't invite them. I have to remind them that I did.
My closest friends are picky eaters. It’s painful.
As a single and childless man, more than half of my dining out events are done solo. I dine out more often than my friends with children because obviously my bill is much lower. My typical dinner bill for just me at an average full service restaurant is around $30 - 35. A friend of mine said eating out for him, his wife, and four children comes out to around $130.
$130 for a family dinner is a great deal for your friend (with the big family) in today's economy.
Good thing I only have two children. My dining bill is usually around $50.
When you eat alone you experience the full flavor of the food. When you dine with company you feel pressured to talk and the attention is taken away from the food.
👌 Right on
True!
Most people eat a few times a day everyday. Turning it into entertainment is the reason so many are overweight.
Spoken like a chef, or someone who values the flavor of their food!!
This!
This forgot to mention that more diners are not eating out at all, its no longer affordable for most people.
This is very true. But people still do it. Common sense is not common.
Well why would they if they can afford it? None of my friends have complained that it's too expensive. But we're middle aged professionals. Also, we don't typically spend more than $40 each.
As a single person, I don't spend 84$ in a restaurant. I bet that includes several take home meals, but 84 bucks for the average single. I really doubt it.
Well it depends where you dine, for example restaurants like Fogo do Cao charge a lot to dine, and is likely that one will pay more than $84. But at the end of the day it depends where you dine and how much they'll charge you. But I usually pay $54 for just three dishes. Be on the look out for these signs, $= 10, $$=20, $$$=20+, which is a strong indicator that you'll pay more even if solo.
OpenTable is a reservation tracking system ie "fancy" restaurants. They need to show a comparison point of 1 person when it's part of a group as a reference point.
I used to eat out a lot back in the day. My average check at dinner would be north of $100. Closer to $200 at my favorite restaurant, but I would sit there for at least 1 hour, but closer to 1.5 hours.
@@thebookkeeper0851 lol, my drinks alone came close to $84. Sake was $15 per glass.
@@thebookkeeper0851no it does not depend on where you go do you not pay attention with being said again the word average is being used the word average meal and average person do not spend $84 for a meal
I went out 2 weeks ago alone and spent $120...$30 was tip. depends on where you go. it was a seafood place
Been eating out alone for many years now. If you wait for others you’ll be waiting forever.
I do it mostly with fast food/boardwalk food. . .but. . .once/year I like to go to a good diner in NJ and sit at the counter by myself.
@@cstuartdc Go to nice restaurants more often! Fast food is toxic and life is too short not to enjoy great cuisine.
I HATE eating with others. It’s stressful and can aggravate my digestive issues I want quiet
Facts!!!!!
Its because its getting harder to find a decent person to dine with nowadays
Plus, with so many different choices of cuisine and price points, it's could be tough to get everyone to agree to a place and remain within their budget.
I had severe social anxiety for a long time. I tried dining with friends, family, dates I just don't enjoy it that way. I rather eat solo.
As you mentioned we have solo dining society since a long time back in Japan. its safe to be walking around and eat alone for women at night
Eating out alone, having a drink at the bar alone, seeing a movie alone, or even travelling abroad alone. It may be intimidating and liberating when you first do these things, but then becomes completely natural and enjoyable over time.
Absolutely love travel alone.
Everything is expensive with low pay. So, nobody wants to feel obligated to pay for anyone else. This is the real answer that's not being expressed much.
Bingo!
I've been doing things solo for many years, most people sucks.
suck not sucks
Been eating out alone for over 25 years, what’s nice about it is you can pick anywhere you want to eat. I had Indian food one day and sushi another day, didn’t have to ask anyone.
It's not a trend, i've been doing it for years. Better than eating with someone that keeps taking photos of their food or has their head buried in their phone the whole time..
Why the hell do they take photos of their food, makes no sense
@@Big_talks. whatever their reason, if they always do it, it annoys the hell out of me.
Because you've been doing it doesn't mean it's not a trend.
Eating alone and bringing a kindle to read while eating is amazing.
I have never tried eating solo with a book. I have to do this.
They should make solo restaurants a new thing. The business could take off and eventually become a club.
I recently enjoyed the solo dining restaurants in Japan - would be interesting to those types of establishments in the US.
People are desperate for a third place because they’ve been wiped out in many cases, or it’s just not an option due to time, money, and other responsibilities. I respect those who are able to go out and treat themselves and enjoy time by themselves. In times like these you gotta make the most of the time you spend with yourself.
My thought process in my mid 20’s was: if we are going to die alone, you better be comfortable doing everything alone. I feel empathy for those who are dependent and stressed when they don’t wNt to do things alone
Cool. Guess I'm not the only one. I prefer being alone the vast majority of the time. Makes me so happy.
Same 😊
There are too many selfish people now. I would rather be "alone" than be with someone who makes me feel alone even if the means eating out at a restaurant by myself.
I thoroughly enjoy doing things by myself. I eat alone quite often, go to movies and concerts by myself, and also travel solo to many parts of the world. There is a certain amount of freedom and spontaneity that comes with that. There is also a lot less stress when the only person you need to answer to is myself.
I wouldn't spend $84 on a single meal
That is ok if your treating yourself but not regularly.
$76?
I wouldn't spend $84 for a meal for 2 unless its very good quality, neither will anyone else.
It’s the meal, a drink, tax, tip…. It adds up. I get the $35 lunch special but after two drinks, tax, and tip, it’s like $90. Upscale restaurant though.
I feel seen! I love solo dining & solo travel 😍.
That $84 figure they gave is dinner and drinks for two. When I go by myself. I spend in the $20 to $25 range. No drinks, just Food and Ice Tea.
Food and hot tea. Same price. 😉
I went to red lobster last night solo
I’ve done that! 😊
84$????
Cheddar biscuits 🤤
Have been doing this for a decade.
Dining alone used to be boring, but now that we have smartphones to keep us entertained, a dining companion is no longer necessary, and unlike a human, we can always shut it off.
I always take a book.
@@MPPG663 I use my phone to read or listen to audiobooks.
I'd rather eat alone. If I go with someone then I usually have to pay for them. 😢
I hate eating around people.
It's cheaper to eat out at a restaurant when you are only feeding yourself.
$84 on a meal for one person?? That much money should last at least a week of food.
Where, Peoria?
Appetizers, meal, drinks, dessert. It's easy to rack a check up to this amount. It also depends on the restaurant. Some are really pricy.
Expense accounts
Some ppl have told me they don’t want to cook for only themselves
I really think people desire to go out alone but still feel uncomfortable from fear of judgement. Glad more people are beginning to embrace dining alone. It takes practice. I've learned to like it. I've also learned that the people around you don't really care and that it's more out of our own thinking.
I know I do reluctantly go out to eat alone but when I do I usually see I'm not the only one. It's refreshing.
@@crystinamarie1 You're not alone in your reluctance. It takes a few times to own it. I see it more often. And best of all I get to choose where to eat every single time.
@@ericcarson342 do you people watch while you eat, do you take a book or scroll through your phone? What's your process? 😆
@@crystinamarie1 Sometimes I people watch. I like my meal at the bar. Many times I try and sit next to another solo diner if I feel I won't be crowding them. I would sometimes scroll thru my phone, but I might try and talk to the person next to me or watch the TV if there is one. It just depends, but I try and be less dependent on my phone.
@@ericcarson342 sit at the bar. Got it. I usually have my phone with me to look like I'm doing something. I feel like people don't want to chat with me. Sometimes I'll chat up the bartender but they're usually busy. I shall try your approach.
Their friend can't afford to eat out anymore.
Because sometimes I like sitting where I want to sit. Ordering what I want. Going to a place I like and not having to compromise. .
Peace and quiet indeed..
I traveled nationally a lot .. ALOT … for work and never stayed in room for room service … Always went out for dinner alone often eating at the bar if there is room and / appropriate but did not have issues dining outside by myself … actually prefer it over going out with people I really do not want to be out with …
I have always eat out solo here and there. I’m fine with it.
People should share meals only with their closest. Otherwise eating alone is fine.
Only time I can dine alone is during lunch hours when its not many people. I cant do it after 6pm if the placed is packed out and loud 😂😂 .
I'm the opposite! I was youngest of 7. I strive to be alone after never having the choice.
The best part of any meal is a great conversation. Even if it comes from yourself.
Eating alone is not a novel concept. When I was a kid there were many restaurants with counter service. That went out of style for a long time but maybe it's time to bring it back.
I sit at the bar when I go out.
My husband takes pictures and selfies when I eat with him. I want peace and quiet.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
That's some real feminine behavior. You should cheat on him.
@@YouKnowSomeone I am not a cheater.
@t.h.8475 Tell him to get his Testosterone checked
🤣 Trying to get likes on socials. LOL Sounds like and addict.
I find that when dining out with family and friends, I pay less attention to the food and sometimes don't even remember what it tastes like as I would be too busy having conversations. Sometimes I revisit a restaurant by myself just to have a chance to appreciate the food more.
my group will never try certain restaurant, but I want to try something new.
Dining out solo is not new, is just that people hadn't taken notice of it. And with people leaving the city, it just means that seeing people eating alone becomes more apparent. I find it quite absurd the idea of having to selling seats per number of people instead of accepting solo diners.
I can never eat alone. There's a restaurant I want to try but I have no one to go with so I'll never get to experience it.
I dine out alone now because most of my friends “expect” me to pick up the bill. I do better than most of them and they “expect” generosity. One guy I knew for 10 years never paid for my meal even once. No such thing as a free lunch.
I expect my companions to pay their fair share, sure. But when the amount I pay is pocket change to me, but equals half their paycheck, that is not fair.
If you want things absolutely fair, split the price of the event fairly in proportion to each person's income. Or just offer to pay for the meal if they cover the tip. Any discrepancy is moot, and hopefully you feel less used.
I eat dinner alone out all time.
For men dinner alone is way cheaper. And most men if they eat out it will cost $20 at the most. The fancy over priced restaurants seldom will have any solo men in there. I eat to live, I don't live to eat.
Women go out alone for peace and quiet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Women also cruise alone for the same reason.
Why is this newsworthy? I've always eaten alone, I enjoy it.
News is no longer to inform us of local, national and global events---it's filler material like poll results, studies, social, consumer and tech trends. So basically....fluff.
Because lonliness is nibbling away at human race..
Eating solo the best thing with no stress enjoy by yourself.
Dining alone is, also, a way to make new friends and meet new people.
Personally, doing things I enjoy alone has taught me how to have fun with people I don't like -- if that makes sense. I just detach and do me.
Why is it a flex to be lonely these days lol
Eating alone is a kindness and a treat to oneself. I really love seeing all my friends (preference for 1-3 people together) but I also really enjoy eating alone every once in a while, it helps me unfurl the happenings of the day. Everyone should try it. ❤
$84 average meal for one is insane. I dont even get that high in NYC, let alone average in nation.
That's using Open Table. Those restaurants are typically expensive anyway.
I enjoy solo dinning. God it's so peaceful
Not only do I eat alone, but Ill also eat in my car. One great thing that came from covid was curbside. I’ll either do that or drive thru, but less interaction the better. The only time I will actually sit and eat is if I’m meeting someone. I can watch tv on my phone in my car, park somewhere with a nice view, and do not have to worry about the extra that comes with eating out. For me, it’s about things opening up that weren’t available before, again, curbside. I’ve realized I just prefer that over eating out. Service has gone downhill too and everybody wants a handout. You order online and there’s a tipping option that’ll automatically input a tip. Lol, absolutely not. Service is not where it used to be, but also eating in my car I can decide when I want to leave as I don’t have to wait for the waiter.
For the past two years I've been dining out by myself every few weeks for a couple of reasons. Most of my friends and family are vegetarians or don't eat seafood, so if I want to try out a steakhouse or seafood boil restaurant, there's not many people I can go with. Additionally, many of my friends' schedules don't allow for us to hang out super often. Since I live in NYC, there's always new restaurants I want to check out, so I've just started going on my own. I've noticed that a few years ago some reservation platforms wouldn't allow reservations for single diners (you had to have a minimum of two guests for the reservation to successfully go through), but I haven't encountered that lately.
I dined by myself couple of times and I have no problem with that. Makes me feel relax and calm
Eating $84 by yourself.That's crazy unless the person is depressed because they're eating alone.So most of that costco is too alcohol
I am a solo dinner and i enjoy it very much. I eat where I want when I want. Involving others is stressful
Some of us are on a diabetes prevention program. Logging what we eat is a part of the program. Taking a picture of what we eat makes it easier to log our meals.
I eat at home and sometime I do take outs. $84 is the amount I don't spend dining out alone. I'm 50 and enjoy being independent. My mother who lived with me most of my life, passed away in 2022 and I do miss her at times and her cooking. I came a long quite well for almost 2 years without her. Thank you all for reading this, I had to comment.
I don’t eat out anymore as a solo diner. The service is a hit and miss while tip percentages get higher. Even when there are tables you get seated at the bar. Not worth the price point anymore.
I've also been doing this for years for a number of reasons. I solo travel to other countries, so I obviously have to eat alone doing that. I also have social anxiety and eating out alone is one thing that has helped me build my tolerance because I can be around others without necessarily having to interact. I am an only child too, so I never really saw it as that groundbreaking.
do you believe in jesus atoning death for you sins and resurrection?
Solo dining bc ppl be annoying 🤣
$84 for a single person?!? That’s why they’re eating alone! Can you imagine having to pay for two?!? Where on earth are these people eating where that’s considered “average?”
No kidding!!!!!!!
This is a trend? I've been doing this since I was a teenager. I love "me" time. I love shopping alone, going to the movies alone and yes, eating alone. I have plenty of friends, a husband and kids and I make time for all of them, but I definitely need alone time once in a while. Nobody is rushing me at the store, I don't have to compromise on where to eat or what to watch at the movie. I love it.
I prefer to dine with a group but when I want to dine alone it's usually lunch because 1) I'm a senior on a fixed income & lunch is less expensive, 2) lunch has more sensible portions, 3) lunch often offers the same dishes as dinner, and 4) I can go for a walk afterwards to burn off some of the calories. To each their own.
I think this is kind of sad And a bit antisocial that we’re normalizing, aloneness. I’ve gone out on my own a few few times and I only do it when I’m traveling because I don’t know anyone else. I would much rather enjoy good company.
84.00 Dollars? That meal better come with a happy ending.😳
😂
If there's any option to eat alone at home, there should be an option to do so in restaurants. It's a nice option because a lot of people don't want to eat at restaurants due to feeling weird to not eat with others.
only time i eat alone at a diner is during breakfast spots before my work shift starts
its funny that American news making a big deal out of this.
I see lots of cars in restaurant parking lot, I leave. I like eating with my husband and that is all. There are very few others I like eating out with.
I find if I eat alone I wind up just looking at other people and then I feel weird
I agree that it feels great and I love being around people without necessarily needing to be actively involved in what’s going on. To be able to go out and enjoy great food and good vibes is nice. I think everyone should at least try going out by themselves just to see how they like it. It’s also nice being with people you care about or are interested in, just genuinely having conversations is nice but I think everyone has to find the right balance based on their own preferences and personality type.
Restaurants can be a good conversation topic. You need to go out alone to experience restaurants and talk about it
It depends the job you have. If you work alone on a shift then you have no choice to dine alone. Ask field service workers and you’ll see
Good. Men has learned their lessons.
I get wanting to dine alone. But doing it all the time, and it costing $84, is crazy
Why is this an issue? 🙄
I've been doing this for years, and now it's a trend? Geez. It's nice to go out on your own time, do what you want, no pressure.
Eating out is so expensive - even fast food! Factor in Covid & this story is no surprise.
But when I can, it's fantastic dining out with family/friends who respect you & others.
Whether you are eating alone or with others: Enjoy!
I had to many “friends” excuse themselves from the table when the check arrived. That was the END of that!!
When you’re single, it’s easy to get in the rut of eating the same thing for several days. Going out gives you variety.
I've been eating by myself for decades...
I’m an only child too and I dine alone all the time. It doesn’t bother me at all but I know a lot of people that won’t do it🤷🏾♀️
In asia its a very common thing, come in, eat and get out
Because literally everybody is single. East Asia is depopulating rapidly. South Korea, Japan, and China are no longer mating and reproducing. Everybody became hyper-individualistic and will die alone until 1 billion becomes 500 million then 300 to 100 to 50 million Chinese within a century.
I once havd this Uber driver she was an older lady and she went on and on telling about how she waited hours to get served at a restaurant when she went alone. . . I didn't have the heart to tell her restaurants don't like single diners it makes everybody sad. . . Sad people
Seems like you need people around you to feel validated. SAD!