How does one get the courage to eat alone at a restaurant? Deathly afraid

OP do you go grocery shopping alone? It's the same mindset! You're there for one purpose and it's to shop for YOUR own food. Same thing with going to the restaurant by yourself; you're going to eat/drink/enjoy yourself. If people want to talk to you, great! I generally like to read on my phone and keep myself preoccupied. People will generally ignore you if they see that.

I will say that eating by yourself is completely normal in the States. It's a different story in other countries so you may want to keep that in mind. Build your confidence up first and own that solo meal!!

I have been intentionally practicing this. Start at restaurants that don't get many people dining in. Put your phone away and look around. Take deep breaths. Take the time to talk to waiter/waitress (another reason for empty places - not as busy). Tell them you're out of town and ask for recs. Tell yourself it's not weird, you're having an adventure! Make a list of places you're excited to check out so you look forward to it. And again - I cannot emphasize this enough - put phone away. Otherwise it becomes a way to hide in social notifications, a false feeling that you aren't alone. You ARE alone, for one thing, and after a while it can be fun. And you start realizing that no one notices or cares.

It's like sex. Scary before you do it. Once you do it once you'll see how awesome it is. Just go sit at the bar and get some food

You spend the dinner on your phone reading Fishbowl

No one will care

You're afraid of being judged by the usuals at the local Applebee's?

You really need to know that nobody is watching you.like not a soul. Use the phone as your crutch the first few times. If you need to then just keep thinking to yourself that your waiting for someone. And then slowly you'll be able to go alone without any other distraction

Ok cool! Looking forward to the future 5 lbs I'll be gaining from this! Woo thanks guys

You can meet all the other consultants having dinner for one and watching Netflix

I just order good food and read articles on my phone. Sometimes make conversation with the people around you. You'll meet some interesting people too, maybe future networking contacts. Also, there's the potential for a hookup too.

I prefer to eat in my room when eating alone. Too many funny looks when I take my pants off in a restaurant. No one cares when I do it my own hotel room.

I've been traveling for a while now and always pick up a salad or sandwich at a deli and head straight to hotel room. Missing out on so much delish food. I'm afraid people will judge me and I don't know how to act while sitting by myself lololol

Sit at the bar, order a beer, catch up on Fishbowl :-). (For a long time, I wouldn't go to a movie by myself...I know where you're coming from!)

Yea you just have to do it. Sit at the bar, make convo with the bar tender. Weird at first but you get used to it, it's all just a mindset

Used to be a waiter, loved single tables. Easy on a busy night and decent tippers.

Eating alone is the best. I get what I want, when I want, where I want. I don't have to worry about someone else liking their meal, complaints, issues. It's amazing. No one else cares what you're doing. And if they do, how lame are they to be worrying about a total stranger enjoying a meal? Have fun and eat well!! 😉

You for real? Dinner alone is the best. Order whatever you like. Talk to the bartender. Read your phone the whole time without being rude. It's the best. Have fun.

Huh? Well... what are your core fears? Be honest.

Literally, no one cares. Bring a book or your iPhone if you want the distraction. I love having a nice lunch at a fancy restaurant by myself. Or, sit at the bar - it's basically training wheels for eating alone.

Don't be a wuss. Go sit at the bar, put your phone down, talk to the bartenders, talk to the people around you. It'll make you a better consultant and better person.

Grow up in NYC? I've been eating alone since I was a kid.

90% of the people in a hotel bar are eating alone. You could easily talk to them if you want, unless they are on their phone then leave them alone because it's me and I don't want to talk anymore after 12 hours of meeting s