3 Tips For Taking Yourself Out To Dinner
The number of diners who eat out on their own in the United States is on the rise. You may find yourself eating alone for many reasons. Perhaps you are too busy to cook some nights, you are visiting a city where you do not know anyone, or you tend to eat at odd hours. But would you choose to eat on your own? Instead of being an awkward experience, dining on your own can be a way to take yourself on a date. It can be a way to get to know yourself better and to pamper yourself if ways you may not ordinarily. Here are a few tips to take yourself on a date at your favorite restaurant.
Get Dressed Up
If you were going out on a date with someone else, you would probably take the time to put on an outfit that makes you feel confident and attractive. If you are going out to dinner on your own, don't skip this step. Anything you would do to impress someone else, such as putting on make-up and perfume or doing your hair, you should also do when you take yourself on a date. This way, the night feels special as opposed to just another meal. Additionally, dressing up a bit can make you more confident interacting with other people at the restaurant.
Leave the Props at Home
Many people suggest that solo-diners bring something to keep them occupied throughout the meal, such as a cell phone, laptop, book, or notebook. This can make people feel more comfortable and distract them from the fact that they are dining alone. However, if you are taking yourself on a date, you should try to limit distractions and focus on spending time with yourself.
Instead of checking your emails, you can check yourself out in a mirror. Instead of reading a book, concentrate on enjoying your meal and being present in your experience.
Interact With Yourself
It is common for people to struggle to make small talk on a first date. Similarly, it may be difficult to sit at a table with yourself. You may find that you have nothing to think about or that your mind wanders to stressful work-related issues. To prevent this, you can mentally prepare a list of questions to ask yourself while you are dining, just as you would with a date. For example, you can think about the most recent film you saw and consider what you did and did not like about it. Or you can ask yourself how you have changed over the past five years.
Instead of just getting through solo meals, consider making them a treat for yourself by turning them into a solo date.