Why do people find it hard to eat alone at restaurants?

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Why is it so awkward? Is it necessary to be with someone when you're out? Do people think you are a loser if you are alone? It doesnt make sense.
I personally do not find it hard. I am just curious why certain people do!
 
You might just try taking a book or newspaper to read if it feels awkward. Or if it is a restaurant with a TV, it may give you something else to focus on. There is no reason why you cannot dine alone.
 
I like to eat alone and people-watch. My favorite places are the ones like Denny's where they have the bar seating. I wish more restaurants would have this community-style seating. I've met some interesting people there.
 
I have been thinking about this myself. I would never go to a "real" restaurant and eat alone. Eating alone in a fast food restaurant is ok though. I don't feel awkward at MacDonald's if I eat there alone and I see other people around me that are eating alone as well at fast food places.

Eating is in all cultures a social thing and you do not want to feel or look like you are being left out. I guess that's why it's hard to eat alone. From what I've heard from a french friend its much more accepted and "normal" to eat alone at a restaurant or drink coffee at a cafe in France. Eating together is a big part of french culture but it is still not considered strange in France if you go to a restaurant on your own.
 
I have done it a time or two and it is so weird. But when I am hungry I am hungry and do not "need" someone to eat with. It just looks a little odd.

It isn't so bad if you go to a place that has a bar and eat alone at the bar, you can talk with the bar tender and others around.
 
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