There was a time when I detested the idea of walking into the restaurant or café to request the dreaded table for one. I feared that snide smile from the waiter. What if the couple sitting there whispers while looking at me? I used to worry that people might think she is out on the prowl, or more embarrassingly, has been stood up.
Table for one to me meant that others were judging me from afar.
I was first introduced to this concept when I was in Manhattan. I didn’t care much there because no one bothered. And there were many lone wolves like me. I did find it a little uncomfortable, no one to talk to and look at while eating but I had little choice but to eat by myself. But doing the same in Delhi was a little difficult. But again sometimes you are left with no choice. Craving for something really good and no company? Well, walk in alone. That is what I have been doing recently and I must tell you it is so liberating to eat alone.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, as you climb the age ladder the number of single and always available friends becomes negligible. A single woman in her late twenties who also happens to be an entrepreneur, which means she doesn’t have to seek permission from her boss if she wants to step out for lunch has made me comfortable with the concept of solo eating. No conversations between mouthfuls, no discussions on how the food is. Comfortable in my own company or with a book. Sheer indulgence! Initially, I kept looking at my phone in an apologetic manner. May be it was to give the impression that I am waiting for friends.
From my table, drinking a glass of beer, I listened to a young couple talk about their financial planning, two friends discuss relationships and a bunch of foreigners discussing India.
And what has surprised me particularly is the attitude of waiters. They are welcoming solo diners because I think the percentage of such people is increasing.
While I have grabbed informal lunches and snacks on my own , I now aim to be going to a more upmarket venue for dinner à une.
So I sit on this table for one
I won't go till they tell me to leave
Why'd they teach me to follow my dreams
When dreams are all they can be?
