#for-one

Why do I feel shy about eating alone in a restaurant?  I mean, do I feel ashamed if I walk to work alone?  Or if I work out alone?  What is it about eating that makes me think it has to be a communal activity, and if you're eating alone, it must mean you have no friends?

I ran out of food at home and was going to meet a friend for coffee in the afternoon anyways, so I figured I'd grab some food outside.  With no Subway in sight, I panicked and almost went into a yuppie organic sandwich shop simply because it had solo high chairs staring out into the street.  But reason got the better of me and I decided to conquer this fear once and for all.

The only other times I've eaten alone in a restaurant were when I travelled.  I often ate at restaurants in developing countries to save the potential intestinal agony of eating off the streets.  But that's ok, because during my travels, I clearly look like a traveler with my black hair, ripped clothes, intentionally battered-looking SLR, and Lonely Planet.

But this time was different.  I was dressed... normally.  Being Asian in Vancouver is like being Asian in... Asia.  I didn't stand out at all.  But when the waitress asked if it was, "for one?" I proudly said yes.  Why not.  I'm going to pay for this meal and I'm going to enjoy my solitude.

Fine, I pulled out my Kobo and started reading.  And fine, I felt better seeing other people who were eating alone at tables of two.  It was at least an incremental step for me.  I'll do what I want, and I don't care what others think.  Better yet, I should know that others probably don't even care about whether you eat alone or not, and those who do are not worthy of attention from anyways.