Have you ever eaten at formal restaurant alone? If so, did you feel awkward eating by yourself?

Yes, a few times actually, and it has been a bit awkward, but I put myself in my own little world and zone out. Usually I bring a book. I have brought a magazine to a casual restaurant before, but it does appear a bit rude.

However, when reading a book, I'd like to think I look more intelligent rather than rude. Of course, the title of the book could also put-off other diners or the staff, so I try to choose a reputable title. Recently I was reading "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown.

This actually started up a great conversation with my waiter. And just last week I was dining at a nice Asian restaurant with my family while a man at the table over was reading a book. I couldn't see the title of what he was reading, but he was a better co-diner than the crying baby behind me.

I even smiled to myself when I noticed he stayed several long minutes after paying his bill so he could finish the chapter. No matter how awkward I may feel, I always to to appear confident of where I am, knowing that I am still the same great person regardless of whether I eat by myself.

For me the idea of eating alone is somewhat depressing. Going out to a nice restaurant is more social for me than necessity. If I just need to eat, I'll make something at home, or grab a burger.

I go to out to restaurants for the atmosphere and to sit, talk and relax. It's a luxury, and one I enjoy doing with other people. I have been on business trips alone and in that case, I just grab something at the local market, or fast food and go back to the hotel room and watch television or read.

I don't waste money on expensive meals. However I would frequent a coffee shop or two. It's more acceptable to grab a danish and read the morning paper there, than it is to sit alone at a four star restaurant.

I would never criticize someone who does, it's just not for me.

Ah yeah, it was a bit awkward. I wanted to read the paper I had brought with me, knowing I was eating alone and in a very nice place. I thought I could sit somewhere quiet and read a bit and enjoy my meal.... but I was seated right in the middle of the restaurant, it was still blazing daylight ( down very south so it didn't get dark until after 11pm ) they opened the curtains and the sun was just too bright to read.

I couldn't sit anywhere else the whole place was like a white crematorium! Quiet but SOOOO white! Sun blazing away, white floor, curtains, walls, tables ...argh....I didn't stay long, but the meal was nice :).

I'd never eaten in formal restaurant alone, and will never do it either. What's the point of going to the restaurant if you're not enjoying it with someone? I'd rather order a take out and eat it in front of TV.

I feel very self conscious when eating out alone. I don't even like going to the cafeteria alone. If I have to, I'd prefer take out.

I feel like everyone is staring at you and looking at you strange. Once, I followed an advice to take time for yourself, so I ate in a cafe alone, but it felt so weird and awkward. Perhaps unless I need to do some things on my laptop and need a change of atmosphere I might do it in the future.

I have. I did notice people staring at me.. I think they assumed I had been stood up.. young woman eating alone.. just sort of a common assumption. It didn't make me uncomfortable though no.

People always stare at me I don't know why and I don't care. I go to the movies alone sometimes as well.. solitude is a beautiful thing.

I have eaten alone at a restaurant but it was more of a casual restaurant. My husband and I rarely go to a formal places together so I can't imagine going to one alone. If the situation arose I would try to have a book or some other prop so maybe it wouldn't be so awkward.

No I haven't. I think I'd probably feel very awkward. In my opinion, if you're going to eat at a formal restaurant, you might as well have someone go with you.

If you can't line someone up, it might be best to go to a more inexpensive place and save the formal location for another time.

Yeah, I agree with jkepler. When I need to eat alone and I am away from home, I just go someplace inexpensive. I do take a book with me, though.My essay that got me accepted to my university was about what happened to me once while reading a book in a coffee shop, as a matter of fact.

A man asked to sample my book, we talked for hours and really clicked. I never saw him again, and that was OK...

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.