I’m a huge fan of eating out alone. There is nothing quite like the freedom of going where you want and when you want, without the need to make plans with others. For an introvert like myself, it’s a chance to enjoy my own company and reflect. But for many others, it’s a welcome opportunity to slow down and treat themselves. But let’s face it, going out alone can be awkward.  

Many of us assume that eating out always has to be a social activity. Being alone can make us feel insecure, overthink, and feel uneasy. We may assume that others are judging us, or worse, that we’ve been stood up. But here’s the thing. Solo-dining is on the rise and most restaurants are now used to it, with some going as far as catering to it. It no longer carries the same societal stigma as it once did and it is now quite common among travellers, businessmen, and creatives alike.  

But all that aside, here’s why I think you should get a table at that one place you’ve been eyeing for the past few months. Solo-dining provides the perfect excuse for some much needed alone time. It is a chance for us to stop and learn to be comfortable in our skin. We are so used to doing so much for others that we forget that time for ourselves doesn’t have to be doomscrolling until 3 am. It can be doing something nice for yourself, like going out to a nice cafe or, if you’re feeling up to it, a fine-dining restaurant. Furthermore, it is the perfect opportunity to journal, write, or even read your copy of Nexus.  

So the next time you hesitate at the idea of eating out alone, grab a book, ditch the phone, and lean into it. Solo-dining can be a gateway to self-discovery— and who knows what grand ideas and revelations await you at your local ramen joint.