Just out of curiosity, what does everyone here think of going out to eat alone? Is going to eat alone at a restaurant or at least somewhere not at home something that's considered normal for you? Is it something you would prefer, or is it something you would dislike terribly? For some people, time away from others is precious because they need some time off and some personal space to take a breather, but for some other people, they can't stand to be alone, much less eat alone. There are also those that have never eaten alone because they either always eat with their family and friends, or they'll invite someone to go out to eat with them.

Personally, I'm one of those that would invite someone to go out to eat with me. Given the choice between staying home or eating alone at a restaurant, I would (more often than not) choose to stay home (that's different from running out to grab a bite to eat between work hours though). So what would you prefer? What are your thoughts on this?

I've eaten alone at home countless times because my parents are at work or out for holidays and I also ate alone in the dark days I had while in school, though I've never gone to eat somewhere alone simply because I don't go outside that often. I'd have no problem being by myself, like you say it allows you to take a breather from time to time.

I'm one of those who thinks that everything is better with some company. Of course, eating is no exception. I have very fun stories about group dinners that I wouldn't change for anything. I like being on my own because of reasons, but being with friends or family isn't that bad either.

I also prefer to stay home rather than going elsewhere, even when meeting with friends. You know, no public place can let you feel like home, and I prefer the atmosphere of eating at someone's place rather than a restaurant. 

Nah....I don't do that normally I would buy it and then eat it at home instead of eating it in the restaurant for me its easier that way. I doubt I would ever do something such as that.

Yuna1000 : I have no problem with eating alone at home and although there is the odd time I have dined alone at a restaurant it has always been at mcdonalds since there is one in the same building where I work and sometimes when I,m alone I will go there just to kill some time before I start my shift but for the most part when it comes to dining out I would rather be with someone I find it,s always better to have someone to talk to rather than sit alone

I haven't eaten out alone, ever, and I rarely eat alone, even at home. It just feels weird and awkward. To me, meals are as much about socialization as it is about sustenance. It's too important to the interpersonal relationships I have to even think about eating alone.

I prefer homecooked meals. Although I don't go out to eat often. And I don't really think that will be changing either.

I don't go out to eat often, but when I do, it's always with another person, since I don't really have the ability to drive at the moment. It depends on the place I'm eating at for whether I'd be comfortable being alone or not. If it's at a fast food place like McDonald's, I can eat alone there no problem. If it's at a big restaurant like Olive Garden or something, I'd feel a little uncomfortable eating alone. It just seems like it'd be weird to me, I dunno.

I find it quite surprising that so many people dislike eating alone. Well, anyway I don't think I've ever been out to eat on my own, but that's not because I dislike it. It's because it's usually not my idea to go out to eat. I don't mind eating on my own at all, I don't really see eating as a social thing. Maybe that has something to do with the Egyptian culture i'm used to lol

I don't really go out often to begin with (unless invited) but I eat lunch outside since my school uses food cards in stead of serving food themselves. Sometimes I end up eating alone because I have differing schedules to the people that I usually hang out with due to taking additional classes. I honestly don't mind too much as long as I have my phone with me so I have something to do. However I would say it would be a lot more fun with someone else. I don't think I would make plans to go out to eat alone given the choice of what to do since that is still mainly a social experience to me. However it wouldn't be a deal breaker to me if placed in that situation. Overall I'm a pretty introverted person so I enjoy time off from others (might explain why) but I would prefer spending that time in a private setting.

It's actually a hard concept for me to wrap my head around, given that I've never actually been by myself. Personally, I don't think I would go out to eat much at all, if it was just for myself. Unless you count fast food, but that doesn't really count. If I had the choice of taking some friends or family out, I would, but I could probably save a whole lot more money cooking something for myself if I was alone.

I pretty much eat everything alone, in my room most of the time. I'm very shy when it comes to other people seeing me eat, and the last time someone actually saw me eat was probably years ago, and even then it was just a family member.

The one time I have gone out to eat, I went to this café place which also served food, but since it was a café and not a big restaurant I don't think it was uncommon to see (especially someone like me) eat alone in a place like that. Honestly, I can't see anything bad or sad about going out to eat alone.

I don't really bother to actually sit down and eat at a restaurant. I usually just get my meal "to go". It's more fun eating at home anyways. (Unless I'm with family at a restaurant)

You have to eat food at some point, usually several times a day. There's absolutely nothing wrong with going out and paying someone else to cook your food for you. If you take a book, a magazine, and escape the social requirements of eating with others, eating alone can be enjoyable. I have a job where I'm interacting with others constantly. It happens all the time and there's a nice break when I get some chow and sit by myself where no one wants anything from me. I have never felt silly or embarrassed and I'm comfortable with myself.

The same goes for movies, while we're on the subject. You don't talk during movies anyway so it's perfectly fine to go be entertained for 90 minutes on your own time.

I eat by myself all of the time - at home, restaurants, on the go. I used to only take food out to-go to eat at home, but lately for over the past year or so I've been more comfortable with eating by myself at restaurant. I'm usually too impatient to try find somebody to go out to eat with, so I'll just eat by myself.

I always eat dinner with someone so it would take lots of mental power from me to go out and eat alone. I've done it a few times and it felt awful for some reason and I couldn't enjoy the meal. When I still lived alone I never enjoyed cooking for just myself. There was this one time when I desperately needed alone time so I went to see two movies in a row by myself and afterwards had some fast food, alone. But that is just a rare occasion, usually I'd like to have someone to eat with.

If I could eat out alone, I would do it quite often. Haven't done that in years, though. I'd most likely visit restaurants that also have an arcade hall, so I can play a game or two while my food is being prepared.