The Art of Eating Alone

I used to be afraid of eating alone. How am I suppose to eat all alone in a restaurant full of people who are enjoying their meals with friends, families, or lovers?

However, over the years of "adulting", you can't always have someone to eat with. Especially as a flight attendant. I travel to different cities and countries every week. I don't get to work with the same people on a daily basis. Sometimes, I get along with my crew and go out to dinner, grab a drink. Other times, after being on a flight for a long period of time in a confined space, I just want to get away from everybody and eat alone.

So in some ways, I've become an expert of eating alone and here's the art of successfully eating alone:

1. Find a restaurant that you will enjoy the food

I yelp. I google. I use everything to find a good restaurant to satisfy my tastebuds. That way you focus on the food and not on the fact that you are eating alone. You can also be adventurous and try new food. Last week, I had veal pasta for the first time in Paris. French cuisine never disappoints me.

2. Sit somewhere where you can interact with the waiter, bartender, or other customers

Yeah, you are eating alone but that doesn't mean you can't socialize with your waiter, bartender, or other customers while you eat. I often meet interesting people this way and get an insight into the city from a local. Plus, if you get to know your waiter, he or she will provide better service. I usually ask them for their recommendation on the food, what to do in the city, any wine pairings, etc. Then the conversation starts to flow naturally. Once in Barcelona when I was doing my soul searching solotravel, the waiter gave me a free shot of vodka. #smallvictory

3. Drink

If you are nervous about eating alone, just get a glass of wine to start the meal. As much as I love food, I love wine. If you're not a drinker, get tea to help you relax.

Bon Appétit!

#eating #eat #food #artofeatingalone #alone #travel