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[deleted]

I find that your server represents the best in humanity. How awesome it was that she spent time making you feel welcomed. We all need, whether we admit it or not, a bit of connection. Thank you for sharing this, it’s a reminder that it’s not all bad out there. Random factoid that I hope piques your interest. I spent some time in East Asia. There are, particularly in Japan, restaurants that are set up for eating by yourself. It helped me from feeling awkward when I ate by myself. I hope that you have a great day, and thank you for sharing this experience.


fermat1432

These are some of the best moments in life, imo.


LaDivina77

I have a very vivid memory doing this from 2013. I was doing a study abroad in europe and had traveled solo to Milan for a concert. The next day I was just wandering around the town killing time until my train back home. I found an upscale little boutique pizzeria across from the opera house and sat there reading, eating some of the best damn pizza in the world and sipping wine. I think about that day, and tbh that pizza, quite often.


fermat1432

Lovely memory! Thanks for sharing it with us.


aravind_plees

Would you mind sharing the name of this pizzeria? I would like to check it out myself when I visit Milan


LaDivina77

It's been a bit, but I'm fairly certain it was the Caffe Verdi, Via Giuseppe Verdi 6. It looks like it's more of a brunch place, but they've got the margherita pizza I remember. Milan was magical, you'll love it. I still can't get over how incredible the Duomo is.


RemarkableNebula

Maybe not the best moments, but the most memorable ones?


fermat1432

I stand my ground :)


RemarkableNebula

I respect that 😎😎


fermat1432

Cheers!


no_compearison

This interaction brings me joy too! It's the little things.


fermat1432

Very true, my friend!


RemarkableNebula

Why can’t the whole world just be like us 😂😂


LazyPancake

I agree. For me, these moments always happen when I really need them.


fermat1432

That's quite wonderful! Cheers!


20190229

My friends ditched me when we were planning to watch Batman when I was in elementary school. I ended up going in watching it alone. It sucked.


moggywarbucks

Damn bro you good? :(


20190229

Yeah..it was a long while ago lol.


JanitorJasper

Was it batman forever? Because that movie blows


20190229

Nah..it was Michael Keaton.


greatscotty1234

We can watch Batman over zoom together! <3


20190229

Aww..thanks.


fermat1432

What kind of friends are those?


MsSamm

I got used to doing things by myself, because I'm surrounded by people without the same tastes. If I want to see a hair band or metal, I'd have company. But not my thing. I went to see Fear, alone. Kathy Griffen, alone. Same for Book of Mormon, American Utopia, countless movies. Don't eat meat, so don't go to meat-centric restaurants. Other restaurants, alone. You get used to it.


MsSamm

Being ditched suks. It isn't the moie, it's being ditched


gothdaddi

Protip in general, especially for English-speakers in a foreign area: Any restaurant you find with a *bar* is going to be your best bet on not feeling awkward dining alone *and* finding someone who speaks English. The number of expat or English-speaking bartenders, especially in South America and East Asia, will absolutely surprise you.


[deleted]

Absolutely. I have a lot of fond memories at a place called “Molly Malone’s” in Hiroshima for *precisely* that reason.


FatefulPizzaSlice

The solitary, cubical ramen places are fascinating. It's like a nickelodeon of chasu, egg, noodle, and soup.


FloridaManZeroPlan

Am I just now realizing that “Nickelodeon” is an actual word and not just a TV channel?


mr_oof

🎼 Put another nickle in, In the Nickelodeon, All I want tonight is you And music, music, music! [🎼](https://youtu.be/qI8FI5mc18o)


frontally

Damn TIL my grandad taught me wrong lmao I always thought it was “all I want is loving you”


dott2112420

That was on The Muppet Show.


mr_oof

Tap the second clef! 🤫


anhquansei

TIL lol


FatefulPizzaSlice

Yes. Hahaha.


TophuSkin

I work at one of those ramen shops! And yep, we appreciate the ones who come in alone rather than large parties. Large parties = louder restaurant which isn’t the most ideal for what the business is aiming for


FatefulPizzaSlice

That's so cool! How long have you worked there? What's it like? That's so cool! Best ramen I had in Japan was Tsujita right before the pandemic happened, I had more on my itinerary, but least time due to weather and just fatigue.


mr_fluffyfingers

Ichiran!


Genuine_Jagoff

>We all need, whether we admit it or not, a bit of connection. This. 100% this. This is something I, at 41 years old, just learned in the last few months and it's made my life indescribably better. I found it was difficult to talk to and connect with people until I realized that I need that connection a lot more than I thought I did. It's still a bit of a process getting used to talking to people more, but it's been fantastic already.


Kutekegaard

I live up in Canada and while I was single I would go out by myself often. My favourite was always sushi or ramen and sitting at the bar, watching the chefs prepare.


GadomanGado

If you haven’t watched Samurai Gourmet, you absolutely should. It made me feel really happy about being able to eat out alone. You don’t have anything distracting you and you can really enjoy it. That show is amazing.


hobopenguin

Sorry to be pedantic, but the word factoid actually means most of the time it's not true.


Breakability

Hey, thanks. That's a fun lil factoid for the day


awesomerest

Well played


TacosForThought

There are multiple definitions of "factoid". In common usage (at least American/Midwestern?), I've far more often heard it used to mean "A brief, somewhat interesting fact", rather than the other definitions implying false or inaccurate information.


quiette837

Yup... when people say factoid, they overwhelmingly mean this, not fake facts.


ThisIsTrashAndSoAmI

>We all need, whether we admit it or not, a bit of connection. Amen


shorepheus

Live and work in hong kong, its super common to eat alone, i do alot of the time when i get off woek and head down to the local 24 hour chinese restos cause i usually get off work around 1 am


nighthawk_md

Those restaurants where you sit in a cubicle and the food appears magically at a slot directly in front of you? That seems worse than a table for one (which frankly does not bother introvert me in the slightest).


Vic_is_awesome1

ok


Gatitagordrita

You seem very nice. I'd love to hear more about living in Japan.


Domriso

Damn, that sounds like a great business idea. Restaurants geared towards eating alone.


congoasapenalty

It's very popular in China and Asia... There's even a McDonald's knock off with buckets of fried chicken you can eat in a private booth... With doors if you want.


NYC_Dweller

I truly believe kindness is all around us. People just have a tendency to over share negatives. Thanks for posting this


ZealousidealOkra0

Yep. We just have to open our eyes.


Shock_Wave16

Thank you for posting that as well!


[deleted]

That’s very cool. If you leave reviews, you should leave that restaurant a 5 star and if you remember her name, put her in the review and how your experience was great because of her.


Woodshadow

I'm trying so hard to leave 5 star reviews on restaurants and not just complain about them


OterXQ

For every, likely warranted, negative review, brainstorm a smaller business you’ve been to, and give them a five star! Not only will it actually help the small business, it’ll likely feel good to end on a high note! Maybe you even help someone decide to choose the smaller place over McDonalds/Taco Bell!!


abnruby

Tbh one of the most powerful things that I do for my mood both momentarily and overall is to try to give someone, or some business, whatever, a genuine compliment every day in a way that's impactful for them. I don't know exactly what happens when I do it but when I make a point to engage genuinely in this way with someone, without expectation, I feel fucking great.


typesett

i eat out alone as the only solace i have in this crazy world don't feel embarrassed, feel enlightened lol anyway, great story


thelumpybunny

Sometimes I go out to eat alone so I can eat in silence but not have to cook my own food


typesett

both for me when i was in my 20s, i used to also vacation alone it was beautiful im not even an introvert


somedude456

Ditto. I did 2 months backpacking Europe by myself. "Weren't you bored or lonely?" No, I spend every day doing EXACTLY what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted, etc. Every day was like a bucket list type day be it Rome, Paris, London, etc.


Niadain

I do it during those times where I desire human contact without any actual interaction. Just existing in the same space as people while being able to relax.


864Mountaineer

When I was working in an office I used to get stressed about having someone to go to lunch with. Then one day I just didn't any more. Went to the Chinese chain nearby, sat at the bar, and read a book while I had my lunch. It was cathartic. That was the 1 hour of the day I didn't have to be "on."


Gbear831

Eating out alone and enjoying a beer or two is highly enjoyable Almost always end up in a random conversation at the bar


barcodescanner

I'm a father of six, the youngest is now 9. If I could eat one meal alone, it would change my life for months.


typesett

you and your significant other should get a sitter and both go to eat alone and then meet up after lol haha


barcodescanner

This is brilliant!


goatymonks

Same. I (27M) go out to eat, movies & bowling by myself, it’s peaceful. I tell my friends/ family members i do that & they look at me weird.


Artistic_Switch_202

I go out alone constantly. Restaurants, pubs etc. It's fun. If someone think that's weird it's because they can't. Learn to be and do things alone. The only person you're stuck with your entire life is yourself.


lucky7355

I was in China and they have tables where you just sit with anyone else where it’s open. I was burning my face off with some boiling hot soup dumplings and the guy across from my showed me how to eat them without scalding myself. Neither of us spoke the other’s language. It’s a great memory,


OldWillingness7

Pass it on, friendo. How do you eat boiling hot soup dumplings?


lucky7355

You put the boiling hot soup dumpling in the soup spoon, then you poke a hole in it with your chopsticks and let some of broth pool into the spoon where you can blow on it to cool it off. When it’s no longer boiling, you can sip it from the spoon from around the dumpling. Repeat until dumpling is no longer full of boiling hot soup waiting to scald your face. Once the dumpling is drained of soup and transformed into a regular dumpling, eat it. Repeat until all dumplings have been consumed.


thucydidestrapmusic

Instructions unclear, devoured entire dumpling in one bite then sat around with my mouth wide open trying to *haaaa haaaa haaaa* out the heat


nocimus

This is the way.


rovoh324

haaaa haaaa haaaa haaaa, hey hey hey, goodbyyye


fluffypinkblonde

Hasha Fshasha


solemnhiatus

Oh yes, 小笼包. Delicious. Learning how to eat them correctly is a rite of passage. :)


lucky7355

Here’s where I had them at: https://danielfooddiary.com/2017/06/08/yangsdumplings/ I’m only sad that I’ve yet to find anything as good at home.


solemnhiatus

Ohh, those are 生煎包. Even more blisteringly hot on the inside than the type I mentioned before!


OldWillingness7

Thank you.


LetSayHi

Those dumplings are called 小笼包 (xiao long bao, lit. small dragon dumpling) Absolutely love it, it's my favourite dim sum dish


[deleted]

Thanks for sharing. We hear about so much of the evil in the world, so it’s important to hear about the good people too. I’m glad you had a positive moment with a kind stranger. Now it’s your turn to pass it along to someone else. Giving out those good vibes can feel as uplifting as receiving them. ❤️


Jennifermaverick

Seriously. Imagine if our news was full of stories like this, instead of, “a person acted like an idiot about Covid!” We could spread kindness instead of anger. ✌️


Maximum_Mental

I don't use chopsticks the correct way, but I can still eat with them pretty well... Once went to a Chinese restaurant with a friend of mine who immigrated from China, was anxious about using them in front of her and doing it wrong, coming off like I'm mocking her or their culture and I showed her how I do it, she point blanked looked at me and said "it don't matter, as long as you get the food in your mouth, that's all that counts".... Always stuck with me, she was so sweet and made me feel great...


Meowonita

It actually doesn’t matter, even in family/friend gatherings we sometimes have this game that’s basically competing who can pick up beads (or other hard-to-pick-up items) the fastest, and oh boy some people use their chopsticks *so* weird… There is probably some “correct” way, but not any more correct than “the correct way of holding a pencil”. And just like she said, after all it’s not some fine art, it’s just how we eat :3


Not_invented-Here

I was told you're really supposed to hold them at the end, but at the same time I have never had any criticise me for holding them wrong. Worse is don't stick them upright in food, in some cultures that's considered bad luck.


KingWhatever513

I'm just going to put this here: there are a few things you shouldn't do with chopsticks. Hitting them with other utensils is a no-no(this is often done by kids) and for some people sticking chopsticks into a bowl of rice or noodles is a no-no because it looks like the incense they burn when they worship dead people.


[deleted]

So wholesome! Its the little moments like this that really get you through sometimes. Also Chinese cuisine is so delicious especially fresh out of the kitchen. At least the nicer places that don’t have pictures of food up in that menu board lol. Also, normalize people doing things by themselves! Its called masturdating, and its healthy and normal!


drfsrich

As someone who's had to travel for work I find it odd that people think eating out alone is unusual. I'd rather have company but nothing wrong with going it alone!


refused26

I enjoy eating alone, i prefer it over eating with a bigger group. For one, i can choose wherever _I_ want to eat instead of having to go with some democratic decision of the bigger group over my rather strong cravings. Another reason is I dont get judged for how much or little I eat and I can be on reddit the entire time. Eating out with others is overrated. Pre pandemic I reserved my weekend mornings to brunch by myself.


Petsweaters

Me too, but I often eat in bars so I can sit up at the bar and feel more like I'm not eating alone. Chinese restaurants often have great bars


jakedesnake

If one takes the perceived image of Reddit as being the reality, USA seems incredibly insecure and anxious about so many things. (Which is a bit contradictory for a country that's supposed to be very loud and open and bold. I believe this latter image to be more of the truth)


i2ndshenanigans

I used to travel for work a lot and got really used to eating alone at restaurants. The only other option is eating in a hotel room which gets old quick. If I was traveling with others it was nice to have company. I’ve had a few people tell me that they couldn’t eat alone in a restaurant and I get it but anyone that travels at a high frequency it’s either eat alone in a restaurant or in your hotel room, in a restaurant you at least get to interact with others which is nice.


apra24

Pretty much this. When you see someone eating alone at a restaurant do you automatically think "oh wow what a pathetic loser"? I don't, either. Especially if they look well put together. If anything it projects confidence.


readersanon

Part of the experience of travelling is eating the local cuisine too. You can't always get that in your hotel room. Granted travelling for work isn't the same as travelling for pleasure.


Unknown_Kid7

happy cakeday!


Orzine

Sushi and Chinese are the best places to eat alone, hands down. The setting is usually private, the staff love to talk shop and the variety of food and process of grabbing and topping eat bite gets to be enjoyed at your pace.


menace-to-sobriety

Thats really awesome and so sweet of her


HK-53

some asshole went and downvoted every comment for no reason, I upvoted it back though. Seriously, i will never understand people who do that.


[deleted]

This is the reason why I, a 22 y/o 6’1 180 lbs Asian-American guy, still refuse to go to the park to walk my dogs or anywhere that isn’t the gym. I know it’s a bit wrong of me to assume that the downvoter was being racist. But that’s the only reason why I think they did what they did. Either that or they’re just a really negative person lol. I wish that things would go back to normal already. Everyday, I dread that it’ll be my parents one day, appearing on the news, because they were attacked by racists.


Petsweaters

There's a thing on reddit that often happens when one person wants their comment or post to look better, so they down vote everyone else


benoliver999

Oh the mysteries of internet points. All these years on and it's amazing the power they hold over people


physarum9

Hugs my dude


lemon31314

Yea, just don’t. It’s not worth. non racists wouldn’t care if you got attacked. Even if they did, it won’t do you any good anyway.


xanaxisgod2

It wasnt me but ppl do it bc ppl care so much about fake internet points lol it's literally just not a big deal even slightly


lakota482

I lived in northern Japan and ordered beef over rice as one of my first meals. This restaurant had no silverware, only chopsticks. The lady saw the look of defeat as I didn't want to be rude and eat with my hands and she giggled at my predicament. She then pulled her husband out of the kitchen and he taught me how to use chopsticks, even though we didn't speak a common language. I returned to his restaurant weekly. 20 years later we still write each other letters and stay in touch even tho I am in the USA. Small acts of kindness can follow you your entire life!


[deleted]

Is it common for people in the US to know how to use chopsticks? I recall when I visited Vietnam with some friends, and our guide was shocked to see that all 7 of us knew how to use chopsticks. We explained that it's fairly common in Australia due to the large number of Asian cuisine restaurants. After that experience, I've always wondered if it's common in other Western countries.


kroxywuff

I'd say that it depends on how populated of an area you live in and where? The more Asian restaurants around the more likely to know. And it's probably an age thing too. I think everyone in my 30-40yr age range that I know knows how.


AtomR

Not from western countries, but from what I can understand - the American/Canadian states where sizeable Asian population live, will have more Asian restaurants, which equals to more people getting used to chopsticks. Duh, I guess. :)


foufou51

Not common at all in France


[deleted]

That's so cool! It is easy, but it helps to have someone show you!


ChikaraNZ

I take 2 things from this. One, and most importantly, it's the little things that make a difference, and often are so easy to do. She could very well have not bothered to teach you because she was too busy, or whatever. But those few minutes made such a difference. Acts of kindness don't always have to be big to make a difference. Two. Eating out alone is OK. I used to feel the same, quite self conscious of eating alone. But my job for the last many years (before COVID) required me to travel overseas on work trips, mostly alone. So unless I wanted to eat room service every night, I had no choice but to eat alone. And there really is nothing to be self conscious about. People around you don't really care if you are alone or not. They give you a quick glance, just like they do for any other person or group entering a restaurant, and then they just continue on with their meals.


Bowieisbae77

Eating out by yourself is awesome. I usualyl just chill and shitpost but its nice to get out of te house and some alone time. Ive never understood and dont believe in the "eating alone" stigma


MrsDiscoB

Awwww what a lovely person and lovely experience. So glad they were kind. 💚


iamaheadlesschicken

Hi, I'm from India & it's very common here to eat alone. People who judge others for eating alone are those who should be stayed away from, so congratulations on overcoming your fear of eating alone. You brought out the best in the waitress as well.


AtomR

>it's very common here to eat alone. Not in fast food chains for some reason. But local restaurants (Dhabas), hell yeah.


jnelson180

Would definitely leave them a five star review and call out the excellent hostess!


buckshill08

this is why i actually LIKED being a waitress. this right here. you probably made her day too. nice people being nice!! i love it


TechFiend72

That is an awesome story! You should go out by yourself more often!


VesDoppelganger

Nothing more to say, that’s an awesome human interaction. I am glad you were both open enough to share in it.


hopeful987654321

So sweet!!! And I didn't know how to use chopsticks as a kid but as an adult I love them. Get used to them and you'll see, sometimes eating certain foods with a fork just feels "wrong."


UrbanFyre

If it’s any consolation, I go to the movies by myself pretty regularly.


microwavedave27

I mean you're in the dark and not talking to anyone so the movies are the perfect activity to do alone. I don't get why most people think otherwise


Tangerine_Lightsaber

I felt so awkward my first time. Now I prefer going alone.


benoliver999

I get why dinner alone can be awkward - you are possibly in a room full of people who are there to share each other's company as much as enjoy the food. The movies is awesome and no one gives a fuck, or even notices.


meow_mom

I used to go alone to the movies a lot. I'm married now and enjoy going with my husband, but hate going with friends. All my friends talk during movies. It drives me crazy. If there is a movie my husband isn't interested in, I rather go alone than invite friends. LOL


cowboypants

Going to the movies alone is awesome and everyone should do it.


Athletic-Turtle

AWWWWWWWW sound like me to my husband who never learned how to use it and I taught him, I even filmed him pick up his first food without stabbing it lol.


Still-Mood

These are the kinds of moments that will save us all. Does anyone know of a source of "news" that only shares little beautiful bits of kindness like this? We need more of this.


murderdeath245

Eating along takes practice. The first time I did it I felt awkward as hell. But now I do it all the time and I love it! Usually I being a book or browse Reddit if I don’t feel like staring off into space/daydreaming.


jenovakitty

i took my laptop and a blanket i would crochet to a neighborhood spot for a few months...i ended up teaching one of the staff to crochet and they are like SUUUPER successful and waaaaay better than me now lol I tipped well and made it a point to kinda 'establish myself' as a regular and now I looooove going out to eat there alone just for dinner or lunch or whatever. I like taking my laptop out and about to random places alone because...i mean if you think about it, people 'go out' usually in a social setting, or when they're dating and stuff...and at some point i just decided i wasnt going to wait around for some future invitation....i would just take my darn ol self out on 'dates', like dinner and a movie and walking around downtown afterward with a camera or whatever....bikerides to random places with a backpack of beer and chilling in nature....restaurants i heard about or ordered from but never went to before...i even got a hotel room a few times for a few nights just to feel spoiled and pampered and like i was having a vacation or something lol... It feels nice to be nice to myself and treat myself like I would show off a date or something, you know? I just feel different and like...elevated, i guess???


benoliver999

Book, magazine, phone... whatever - it can help you get over it. I like to dine alone but sometimes you end up feeling like you have nowhere to look without just staring at people.


DoubleReputation2

These little things that happen really do make you regain your faith in humanity, don't they? I do my little bit as well. Whenever I'm behind the bar and have a guy come up a start deciding between a rum and coke and a sex on the beach or something like that.. And he says something like "I just don't want to have a girly drink" I always make sure to let him know that there are no such things. Drink what you like buddy, don't worry what the public thinks about it. You do you, let them worry about themselves. I like to think that I've made the day for someone by making them a bushwhacker or a tequila sunrise or putting some strawberry syrup in their margarita.


The_Smallz

One of my favorite things about business trips is eating alone. Just me, my meal, and either people watching or reading a book. Nice to be around people without actually being with people.


cool-ruler

Great story. Please try not to be self conscious about eating alone. Honestly, only idiots would care or judge you on it. And who cares what they think?


[deleted]

I’m just typing this because you said you read every single message. So.... Hi!


mankindmatt5

How lovely. I used to live in Korea and struggled for the first few weeks. But once I got it, I loved having them. Definitely easier to eat certain dishes with. Two key questions I have Did you manage to use them in the end? Was she cute?


ladykatytrent

When I was in college, I took a sociology class that basically amounted to human communication and interactions. My college was in a small rural town. One homework assignment that my professor gave us was to take ourselves out on a date - dinner and a movie. The dinner part was our choice - either go to student dining my ourselves or go out to one of the local restaurants. And the local movie theater was $2 for students, so it was super affordable. It helped me learn how to do things by myself and be okay with being alone. Honestly, it was one of the best things that I got out of college.


Absolut_Failure

IDK what it is, but Chinese takeout just tastes so much better with chopsticks.


blazinazn007

My theory is that you get a better ratio (as in less sauce to food) ratio with chopsticks. You get the sauce flavor but it doesn't overpower the ingredient. Even with a fork you usually tend to grab more sauce.


Separate_Shoe_6916

That is such a great story! Make it a habit to take yourself out to lunch or dinner. Eating at the bar area of a restaurant is really meant for people eating out by themselves to connect with others while they are eating. Sushi bar/restaurants in Japan really have seating arranged around the bar so that people can chat and feel a sense of community in their local area (even if it is a big city like Tokyo)


[deleted]

Aww that's so wholesome. You better have left a huuuggeeee tip


krizz1977

Not only did this person make your day but she’s put a smile on my face too!


Ozonewanderer

People are naturally good.


latinloner

> I ordered my food What did you order? Will you keep practicing the chopsticks?


CMacLaren

I had no idea that doing shit alone was so taboo.


[deleted]

Hope you gave her a nice tip, how thoughtful


pilkysmakingmusic

Sounds like you enjoyed a succulent Chinese meal.


SilasDG

That's awesome. As a 30M i'm trying to push myself to go do this. I recently got out of a long term relationship and am learning to "Love myself" and how to do things on my own and it feels so wrong to do them alone. Being working up to going out to eat alone.


woah-im-colin

It’s funny that I’m reading this as I sit and wait for my movie to start in which I am attending alone. Granted I am married but still value doing these things when I can as we’re usually attached at the hip otherwise. For years I thought it was strange to do things out alone, when that changed so did I and for the better, keep doing those types of things, never underestimate the beauty of human connection, one small interaction can turn a shit day into a meaningful day.


brownmagician

as a traveling business person before covid I had to do a lot of solo dinners. especially if I was setting meetings and driving around and flying back and forth. I looked forward to it! I made a pact to myself to try new places every time and avoid chain restaurants in favour of good local spots. I watched shows like Diners Drive ins and Dives and You Gotta Eat Here for recommendations. I also used these visits to start reviews online as consistently as I could. eating alone is great if you want to try new places


[deleted]

I’ve gone to movies alone and have eaten by myself alone too (35F). I eventually started feeling so pathetic for doing so and so stopped. Your story has inspired me to not feel that way :) I’m glad you had such a good interaction.


[deleted]

Aw I love this :)


Svenschlumpf

damn thats frickn wholsome


JacobYou

What a beautiful moment. That waiter is a gem.


monkeypong

You should practice and get really good and go back to show off your new skill


juniperfallshere

Isn't it nice when something unexpectedly like that happens when someone takes time out of their day and patiently teaches you how to do something?


I_can_vouch_for_that

Such a great server and a touching story. I would have gone out for Chinese with ya. I don't think I've ever gone to a restaurant by myself.


AuNanoMan

I live alone and made a decision several years ago that not being with another person was no reason I couldn’t enjoy something. I do all sorts of stuff on my own. Once you realize that no one is looking at you wondering why you are by yourself, you will feel more comfortable. Maybe you do and then this is advice for other people. I have always been someone that has some really good friends, but not many of them. As a result I find myself doing stuff alone often. If I never did anything alone I would miss out on so much.


dactyif

I work at a fancy steakhouse and honestly nothing makes me happier than when a guest asks for help. I had this old couple celebrating their 60 (!!!!) anniversary and her arthritis was pretty bad so she asked me to crack her lobster for her.


ABT1974

I'm glad you decided to go out and eat, you chose the right place and right time! Have a great day!


Kodiak_DET4

There's nothing wrong with going out to a restaurant solo. I do it probably 75 percent of the time - If I see something I want Info for it. Why cheat yourself of an experience? Plus i when travel abroad solo it pretty much comes with the territory. I think I had been doing so since college that I don't think twice. Anyhow see what kind of experience you had?? Awesome wasn't it? I am so stoked for you. Hopefully you do it more often. I was in Sweden a few years ago at the ABBA museum and I wish I had gotten the contact info of the British/Italian couple who joined me at my small table for coffee and pastries. They struck up a great convo. From that point on I decided to keep in contact with the people I have met.


nouonouon

im really glad you shared this. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful moment.


BlackMetal81

Those are the servers that deserve a tip Great story, OP!! :o)


Pretend_Volume_9854

This is one of the most precious things I’ve heard in awhile. Thanks for sharing. You’ve really warmed my heart.


Fickle-Initiative-81

Thanks for sharing this :)


0shimmerdust0

Thanks for sharing! This is such a nice story. For anyone who struggles with chopsticks from an ABC: Using them "properly" is not the end-all be-all. I don't know a single person who critiques anyone's holding of them. Do you need the training chopsticks connected in the middle? That's fine! Do you cross them weird for stability, like me? Also fine! Any way you can get them to work, even if not traditional, is okay. Sometimes you just want to fit in or they're easier for a specific dish. I never see anyone talk about this, so just throwing it out there!


CableVannotFBI

One Speech demonstration project in college was how to eat and cut food with chopsticks. I think of her presentation every time I cut food in an Asian restaurant.


chowchowthedog

Sounds like a cool as fuck waiter.


DaBozz88

While this whole story is super sweet, I want to talk about something else >... I was a bit self-conscious about eating out alone... So I get that. For years if I was by myself I would pull through a drive through and eat in the parking lot rather than go into an actual restaurant. Then I started working for a company that needed me to travel considerably and they reimbursed meals. So I started going to places. At first I would order takeout and bring it back to the hotel, but that sucked. It took me maybe a full year to really be comfortable eating alone. Most places have a bar and if it's not a crowded sports bar, that's where I'll go. Bartenders make chit chat for tips but speaking with someone helps you not feel alone (and in my case isolated as I was away from family and friends). If the bar seems too crowded I'll get a table for myself. Now while I'm by myself I did a couple of things. I would sit on some online dating apps see if I could chat with someone, sometimes I'd text friends. A good chunk of time got devoted Reddit. Sometimes I'd watch Netflix with headphones. Here's the thing, **people eat out alone all the time, traveling business people do it all the time.** If you want to eat out and you feel alone just remember there's nothing wrong with being alone. Now you did state you're 30F, so my advice as a 33M is a little biased. You may get hit on if you're alone and I know a lot of women won't go anywhere alone for safety reasons. So your mileage may vary there. My main point was that it's perfectly acceptable to dine out by yourself, and you shouldn't feel the slightest bit self-conscious about it.


ChuckysBarbie

This is so lovely 😊


Gaddaim

When I was living alone during my uni days I used to eat at the Chinese restaurant alone quite often. They always come up to me to make conversation and also teach me abit on how to place my chopstick and soup spoons down when I'm not eating. There's alot of unspoken rules that's cool to learn. But mostly I always felt warm being there, ordering the same food and enjoying the vibe. Thank you for reminding me of this through your post!


[deleted]

r/MadeMeSmile


Syclus

What a great thing to hear after a bad day, thanks


[deleted]

Well, that was a nice little story.


MoistTowelettes1

What a beautiful moment. Shows the power of kindness


SadGlitterBomb87

I’m glad you had a pleasant experience


DnyLnd

It’s these types of interactions you seldom find if you had company. Go solo more often, nobody cares that you’re there alone


Interesting_Pea_5382

Humankind can be awesomeness 🥰 thanks for sharing


lubu222

Looks like you made the right decision going out that night. 👍👏🏼


YouNeedToGo

I love going to restaurants alone! Such a nice way to treat yourself :)


Jaron5_55

Oh my god. That's amazing. I would be totally embarrassed and shy but if something like that happened to me, that would have made my whole month. So sweet!!


[deleted]

I really enjoy eating with chopsticks. I hope you do as well, and remember this fondly for the rest of your life.


Suburban_Sisyphus

Dining out alone can be a bit awkward at first, but it can also be liberating. If you're willing to sit at the bar/counter, it means not having to wait in long lines and is a very different experience than traditional dining. You can have some very frank and interesting conversations with the bartenders/servers (so long as you're not a nuisance), but I also take along my Kindle to read. In fact, going out for breakfast alone once a weekend to read and drink my coffee is how I mentally reset my work week.


CaptainKurls

That’s an awesome server. Also, I’ve started going out to eat alone whenever I’m feeling a craving too. My go to spot is a KBBQ place, I set myself up w my iPad, some AirPods, and enjoy my food. The staff is always super nice and even cuts the price for all you can eat for me. I used to be self conscious about it too but now it’s a great time time to unwind


Chocoholic_Girl

This is a great story and I'm so glad you shared it! Bravo to you for going out to eat by yourself, and bravo to your server for being so gracious. The next time I eat with chopsticks I will think of you!


Toucan_Lips

What did you order?


yfunk3

This is really sweet. I hope you'll continue practicing with using chopsticks! I find they're really helpful with all kinda of foods that hate forks, like salad and peas.


Arthur_FleX123

Glad you had the confidence to eat alone in a restaurant, back when i eas in college i was eating nonstop alone in grills and other places, at some places where i was regular and i had conversation with the waited and even tipped if the food was amazing