This is ....wow
The article doesn't appear to fit within the scope of "Better Homes and Gardens," but Heather Wagner will tell you exactly what to do when you're.....eating at a restaurant by yourself? Yes, please
coach us through the peril of being an adult eating alone in a place of business. I'll skip the intro because I didn't read the intro and I won't begin to read the intro. Ever.
1. Be Bookish. Always come armed with reading material. Having something to read not only keeps you from getting bored but also serves as a shield against waitstaff pity or unwanted conversational overtures from fellow patrons.Suggested reading material to prevent waitstaff pity: Mein Kampf. Yeah, it's easy. Look here, I even googled for other offensive books, but google just wouldn't oblige.
And waitstaff pity?
Counterpoint.
2. Try The Bar. For many would-be solo diners, the fear of being surrounded by lovey-dovey couples or raucous groups can be prohibitive. Requesting a seat at the bar is a good solution: Most restaurants will serve the full menu, bar seating is casual and low-profile, and you're likely to be surrounded by other content singletons.Yeah, but Chucky Cheese doesn't have a bar. WOCKA WOCKA.
This lady is suggesting to our dear reader to become an alcoholic, because we all know a singular instance of eating alone begins the downward spiral of booze, drugs and C.H.U.D. hookers.
Also, "likely to be surrounded by other content singletons"? I thought discretion was the name of the game here, but this
B is looking to introduce a future group of AA.
3. Exude Confidence. Stride up to the host or hostess and proudly request your table. Never shrug or say, “just me” as though you’re apologizing. It takes guts to eat alone, and you should command the respect you deserve.What is it that
the kids type here? Facepalm?
No, I think said person should walk up to the hostess, soak said pants in urine, and faint at the sheer pressure of BEING AN ADULT EATING A MEAL. Or hell, let's do the polar opposite. Proclaim to everyone at the restaurant that you shall
sup alone and that you are now king of the restaurant. Big shit.
ARRRRRGH "It takes guts to eat alone"?!?!?! It takes an exam final, an incurable body odor, segregation and/or swine flu.
It does not take guts. And what about it commands respect? Wearing a tuxedo?
4. Eavesdrop. People in restaurants tend to be drinking, which often results in loud talking, over-sharing, bawdy jokes, or bitter marital brawls. Either way you can (discreetly) listen in on proximate tables and gain valuable insight into the human condition. Bonus points for detecting awkward first-time Internet dates.Tell me I'm not reading this, God. Are you there? It's me, the internet.
Bonus points for being a nosy creep!!!!!!! But to hell with these people. You have guts and command respect, so you shall be privy to
ALL CONVERSATIONS.
If someone does this for the purpose of "gain[ing] valuable insight into the human condition," they should go purchase Mein Kampf. I'm. sorry. It's. just. so. easy. Here it doesn't even make sense, and I still used it.
5. Befriend Your Blackberry. Most of us are borderline addicted to checking our Blackberries or mobile phones. While it’s impolite to do this in the company of others, it's an absolutely acceptable activity when you’re dining alone: Reading the news, checking your Twitter feed, fondly reading old emails from loved ones, or scanning your secret crush’s Facebook page...the wireless possibilities are endless.God
Damn it
Did you know it's acceptable to check your phone when you're alone? I recently purchased a phone that I have yet to touch. Then this advice nugget came into my life, and I've been checking my phone ever since. Thanks Superior Houses and Conservatories!
"The wireless possibilities are endless" She means porn. And really, who the hell eats alone while fondly reading old emails from loved ones? Grandpa, is that you? I thought you were dead? Because you are.
6. Go, Team! Even if you’re not terribly into sports, if there’s a game playing, become a fan for the evening. You’ll be surprised how an entranced gaze up at the screen now and then will give you a sense of purpose, as will a well-timed groan of defeat or hearty fist-pumping “Yes!”#@%( M)V@@@@@@@@XUI@J(#@)UCIiiiiiiiiiii
Oh, I'm sorry. I fainted.
What were we talking about? Oh yes, cheer for a sports team! By yourself! Aloud! .....BY YOURSELF!
This writer lady is all over the map. Does she want the eatery zombies to keep to themselves, or does she want them to become microcosms of life's failures? I'm 'fused.
7. Think Like A Food Critic. Pretend you are reviewing the restaurant. Observe the nuances of each course, take in the presentation, note the faults and strengths of the décor and keep a sharp eye on the service. This puts you in a position of judgment – always empowering.Or a better way to put it: "Be a dick."
8. Life Is Short, Enjoy The Steak. Finally, remember to relax, enjoy yourself, and focus on the positives of solo dining. Just think: There will be no quibbling over who pays, no awkward pauses, and no drawn-out discussions about your companion's relationship or work problems. You really can be your own best dinner date.Listen, writer lady!
"Remember to relax" - EEEEEEEERRRRRRRCKKKKKKK I'M EATING ALONE
/Implants fingernails into neck
"There will be no quibbling over who pays" - Yeah. YOU will pay. THAT'S AWESOME!
"No awkward pauses" - One could argue that the entire ordeal is a single awkward pause. That one is me.
"You really can be your own best dinner date." - Yeah, but the magic doesn't happen until the "the wireless possibilities are endless." I mean porn.
Other than that, solid writing, writer lady.