What's the big deal about eating out alone? When I am out running errands, I shouldn't have to settle for less just because I'm alone. Besides, eating alone means I don't have to compromise or bicker over where we're going to eat.

When I stopped worrying about what other people thought, they stopped looking. I suspect that if a person is nervous, people tend to look at that person more because the nervousness makes a person look un-natural. Oddity attracts attention. Most people are somewhat predatory. Predators attack the weak, young or ailing. This was demonstrated for me in a zoo once. The guide took us to the lion cage and pretended to be wounded and sickly. The female lion ran over to that side of the cage as if to attack. It's a good thing there were bars on her cage!

A no-nonsense approach to eating alone is the best defense. You don't have to make friends or have conversations with anyone if you don't want to. Start with buffet types of restaurants. This will get you in and out without having to kill time waiting for the food to arrive.

Give the food your full attention. Be polite to the waitress and staff.

Take a puzzle book if you want a more leisurely meal. The puzzle book will give the impression of activity which is a very different impression from reading. I've found that reading seems to invite well-meaning intruders who still think it's a shame not to have an eating partner.

Some fancier restaurants count on multiple guests at the same table because it means more money for them. The staff in these places often make a soloist feel bad or they discourage return visits. My suggestions here are: to leave 5% more tip than normal, dress well, walk like you own the place without overdoing it, being polite and professional in manner. Then frequent the place again in less than a week later and repeat the same behaviors. Once they get to know you, you'll get treated better. If, after the 3rd visit in the same month, they still seat you in the worst spot, ignore you or treat you badly then don't go back ever.

It's all about poise and attitude. Act like you have a right to do whatever you'd like, be polite, and mind your own business. Your behavior tells other people how you want to be treated.

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