Before I met my current boyfriend, I used to love going out to eat alone. I took pride in it. It was both empowering and relaxing, knowing that I didn't need a friend or a partner to sit at a table with. I could dine solo, order exactly what I wanted, and savor a good meal while sipping on Cabernet Sauvignon.
Though there are plenty of exceptions to the rule, many women in relationships relinquish their grasp on alone time when they get into serious relationships. Becoming girlfriends, wives, and mothers can take up so much of our attention that we forget to be the people we were before we had those roles. But being a good partner (and mom) means taking care of ourselves, and one of the best ways to do that is by connecting with ourselves as individuals. My favorite way to do that is to reserve a table for one.
A lot of women are used to having conversations over dinner, so they don't know what to do with themselves when they're out for dinner alone. Here's my advice:
Bring a Book
When you don't know what to do with yourself, having a book on hand is a great way to avoid feeling awkward. Bring that book you've always wanted to read but haven't had the time.
