More people than ever are eating alone at restaurants | Hacker News Reader

More people than ever are eating alone at restaurants

cnn.com

22 pointsrntn14 comments

That's funny - not that this is becoming more common, but that people used to think it was strange. I've been eating out alone my whole adult life, whenever it suited me, and had no idea that was supposed to feel awkward.

Before smartphones, I just brought a book. Sometimes I'd stop by a bookstore on the way to the restaurant!

Same.

Years ago I discovered that some people feel the same way about going to the movies. That they're reluctant to go to the theater alone and doing so makes them feel weird or self-conscious.

I find solo dining incredibly relaxing. In fact, it's often a great opportunity for mindfulness and appreciation of my surroundings. Some of the best meals I've ever tasted were when I've been alone at a restaurant and am truly focused on the experience.

Not sure if it's common, but I really hate eating. Usually I distract myself with television or something. So being alone in a quiet place with a bunch of strangers, it's almost like pooping in front of them. Like, don't look at me, I don't like what I'm doing.

Not common but I'm with you. People get offended when you don't want to stuff your face around them and I deplore it.

I eat because I have to, not because I want to. My version of Ozempic was giving myself a complex.

I'm ambivalent. Often the need to feed myself annoys me because of how often we have to do it. On the other hand, I have notice my mood improves a lot when I take the time to make a tasty meal as opposed to just heat a supermarket meal.

I'm annoyed by the constant necessity of eating but I can also appreciate a nice home made meal.

I can appreciate them too, yet I don't find them or the surrounding social aspects that rewarding or drawing.

It's a bit self-fulfilling. Perhaps if I gave two bothers these things would be more interesting. Why, yes, the food is either good or not that good. Things outside of here are happening. Hmm.

One thing restaurants could do is seat random strangers together. I had a great meal at Absalon, a cultural centre in Copenhagen, which does just that. Recommended: https://absaloncph.dk/en/food/

Wow this sounds cool, would love to try it. Somewhat similar problem happened to me during flights — a couple times I’ve had a longish layover in a random city, and just wanted someone (anyone!) to hang out with. There are apps for this, but none worked for me.

Train dining cars still seat strangers together. It’s enjoyable to learn a bit of someone’s story that way. And funny to see people panic and bolt out of the car when they realize they’ll have to share a booth. :)

Cafe Gratitude used to seat strangers together in their Northern CA locations, which are now closed. I have no idea if they still do so in their other locations.

>One thing restaurants could do is seat random strangers together.

Dear god no. What an absolutely disgusting idea!

Relax, it would be optional:-D

There are restaurants that do this. I don't patron them.

I eat alone when I'm traveling and want to catch up on HN after a hard day at a customer site or if I had a hard day in general and want some me time (as cited by the article).

Last thing I want to do is have the usual conversation with a stranger that I will never see again.

Not every restaurant experience needs to be a social one.

Make it optional and all is good

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