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“I know what I bring to the table<\/em>, so trust me<\/em> when I tell you,<\/em> I’m not afraid to eat alone<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

~ Unknown<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

First of all, I love this quote. \u00a0And for reasons I won’t go into today, I’m really feeling it. \u00a0Let’s just say that it’s a constant struggle to be on the outside, know you’re doing your thing, and hoping it will pay off in the end.<\/p>\n

So, I eat by myself.<\/p>\n

Probably more than most people. \u00a0Like, at least once a week.<\/p>\n

And you\u00a0want to know something?<\/p>\n

I kind of love it.<\/p>\n

I like leaving the house whenever I feel like it. \u00a0I like choosing\u00a0whatever venue I feel like trying. \u00a0No matter the venue, I like the sheer luxury of it. \u00a0I’ll tell you what I do not like. \u00a0Somehow, in Dubai (as an example), there seems to be a trend of not understanding the concept of a solo diner. \u00a0There is just not a place in people’s minds or heads to get over someone dining by themselves (there are of course, exceptions to this). \u00a0By and large, service staff does not know how to handle me. \u00a0Where to seat me. \u00a0Or how to engage with me.<\/p>\n

Let me assure you, service members of this country, I am perfectly fine to dine alone. \u00a0I have a smartphone, a Kindle, and a camera. \u00a0I have more than enough to entertain myself for hours. \u00a0What I need from you is (time permitting), perhaps a bit of engagement. \u00a0A small amount of chat… and that’s all. \u00a0If you feel inclined to ask why I am moving things around the table to take photos, that is up to you. \u00a0I don’t expect anything from you. \u00a0You are not necessary for my entertainment,\u00a0but also, please do not completely ignore me either.<\/p>\n

Having traveled on my own for many years, I literally think nothing of making plans to take myself out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. \u00a0Furthermore, I can’t expect friends (most of whom are working) to drop everything and go out to eat whenever I feel like it.<\/p>\n

Certainly, I love a communal meal, but I am also completely okay in the company of myself. \u00a0I like the quiet of it. \u00a0I enjoy eating at my own pace — sipping on a glass of wine or people watching. \u00a0I can catch up on some of my social media, or, engage in a conversation with a friend somewhere else in the world<\/a>. \u00a0I can read a book or\u00a0simply enjoy my meal.<\/p>\n

So, dear friends of the service industry, I implore you — just let me be me. \u00a0Give me a seat with some decent lighting and resist the urge for any commentary of ‘just one.’<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Have you taken yourself out to eat recently?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“I know what I bring to the table, so trust me when I tell you, I’m not afraid to eat alone.” ~ Unknown First of all, I love this quote. \u00a0And for reasons I won’t go into today, I’m really feeling it. \u00a0Let’s just say that it’s a constant struggle to be on the outside, know you’re doing your thing, and hoping it will pay off in the end. So, I eat by myself. Probably more than most people. \u00a0Like, at least once a week. And you\u00a0want to know something? I kind of love it. I like leaving the house whenever I feel like it. \u00a0I like choosing\u00a0whatever venue I feel like trying. \u00a0No matter the venue, I like the sheer luxury of it. \u00a0I’ll tell you what I do not like. \u00a0Somehow, in Dubai (as an example), there seems to be a trend of not understanding the concept of…<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2173,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1457],"tags":[53,332,341,383,384],"yoast_head":"\n