Table for One

I travel a lot for work, which means that I spend a lot of time alone on the road. This includes eating meals all by myself. For the most part it doesn't bother me to be alone because it's a great opportunity to just relax and not have to worry about anything.

But, there are some days that it really gets to me... like today. I decided to go to Chili's today for lunch after one of my college fairs. I wanted in right after another woman and the hostesses assumed that we were together. Then, the hostess says, "Would you like to get seated now, or would you like to wait for your guest?" I told her that I was by myself and only needed a table for one and she looked at me with such pity and was probably thinking, "Oh poor girl, she has no friends."

I was also looked at by other customers like I was pathetic. I know I sound paranoid, but I've been going on business travel for three years now and today the people really got to me because they were so obvious about looking at me.

Table for One. There's nothing wrong with people eating alone, or traveling alone. First, there are a lot of people that have to travel for work, so obviously they're going to be alone. But second, what's wrong with being alone? If I didn't have alone time, I think I would go crazy. Some people really need to be alone with themselves and their thoughts.

So, next time you are at a restaurant and someone asks for a table for one, don't judge them. There is nothing wrong with the majority of us.