Coffee Talk: Table For One?

Feb 4, 2013

Coffee Talk: Table For One?

It’s Thursday night, and you’ve had one of those brutally exhausting days. The only thing that can lift your spirits right now is dinner and a movie—preferably pasta, wine, and something starring Mr. Gosling.

Unfortunately, as it tends to go with last minute plans, everyone seems to be busy! You’ve already picked the restaurant and movie time, and you’re really liking your outfit. So, what would you do? Would you get into your pjs and promise yourself to plan better next time? Or would you head out the door for that bowl of linguine, glass of cabernet, and a little rom-com?

We’re curious, do you (or would you) ever go to dinner and a movie by yourself?

image via

Brianna Cook

Lauren

Absolutely! Having dinner at the bar makes it a little less awkward since you’ll most likely be sitting next to someone anyway so it’s not like you’re at a big table by yourself. Going to dinner and a movie alone is so relaxing. I recommend it!
http://twitter.com/katiedskelley Katie

Have and do. When I was a kid, my mom owned a gift shop on the local square, and on Saturday afternoons, I would walk down to the theater on the corner and catch a movie. I felt very grownup. I think that conditioned me to enjoy being by myself.
http://dreamgreendiy.com/ Carrie @DreamGreenDIY

Absolutely!!! Going to a movie by myself is one of my favorite pastimes. I only do it a few times a year, but being able to enjoy a goofy/cheesy chick flick WITHOUT having to worry about what my hubby is thinking (or if he’s fallen asleep in boredom) is pure girly bliss.
Jen

Would definitely still go, but might change the full-on restaurant for a small cafe or wine bar instead if it was just me.
http://twitter.com/catfishcaviar Drew Elizabeth

I have done both and I love it! Sometimes its nice to just be alone!
http://thecornerapartment.com/ Elizabeth @ TheCornerApartment

I never have, and probably won’t any time soon! I would go get some takeout and pull up Netflix for the night. Maybe with some ice cream.

Elizabeth
designRoundup

Head out the door…I enjoy doing things on my own sometimes. I have done the movies, dinner and even a vacation to Miami on my own. Loved it! Gives you time to think and you don’t have to worry about schedule!

♥, Londa designroundup.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/TaraJerika Tara Cabullo

Yes. I love my own company, actually
http://www.facebook.com/beccalise.deveaux ‘Becca’lise Deveaux

Probably not dinner, but I would go to a movie alone. More realistically, I’d get in my PJs, make myself some macaroni and cheese and pick a movie from my library to watch at home!
http://www.heroinejewelry.com/ Rose – Heroine

Agreed, I would do that – and have done it – but change the dinner for a leisurly drink. I’m not terribly fancy solo
Samantha Peterson

I’ve usually hit up the movies by myself, but never dinner. During the week, I usually eat lunch by myself depending on how crazy the day is or if we have vendor lunches, etc. No shame in that, it takes a lot to be able to go out by yourself, just be confident, no one care that you are by yourself!
Alyssa Gapske

I would!
http://twitter.com/ClarissaFidler Clarissa Fidler

Absolutely! I think it’s really important to be able to spend time by yourself. It actually helps build your confidence and expand your ability to be flexible.
Lauren

I love going out to dinner by myself. I like to sit at the bar and have the bartender recommend a dinner and wine combination. And I prefer going to the movies alone. No one whispering in my ear through half the movie, and a Cherry Coke to myself.
http://answertheunasked.blogspot.com/ JMill

It’s INCREDIBLY liberating to do things solo. I’ve been to 2 movies by myself, eaten dinner by myself, lingered in a coffee shop by myself. It’s sort of awkward at first, but it can also become freeing and really give you space to think and decompress. I find it so relaxing to not have to hold up half of a conversation after a long day!
Maura

I’ve never gone to dinner by myself but go to the movies alone regularly! It’s a very liberating and relaxing experience.
Josie Morris

ABSOLUTELY.

xx
http://www.straightnochase.com
Nikki

It’s one of my favorite things to do!
EmilyBrady13

I’ve never done dinner by myself at a sit-down restaurant before, but I’ve gone to movies alone – it’s amazing! You can pick whatever movie you want without compromising, no one is there to chat to you throughout the film, and you get to keep the popcorn all for yourself! It’s really the ultimate luxury.
http://www.simplysouthern.org/ Emily Lunstroth

hahah yes this is so true, I did this recently well mainly because I was hungry and had time to spare before a hair appointment. I sat outside a cute little place enjoying myself but wishing there was someone with me because if would have the cutest outfit post ever…but sadly no and the pictures ended up being not that great later in the day!
http://www.katskull.com Kat Skull

I interned in L.A. last spring and was completely alone – so I had to go out to eat! Plus I did check out a movie by myself because it was the Hunger Games premiere. I was alone, but had my social media close
http://www.facebook.com/bonnie.reay Bonnie Reay

I’d go to a movie alone in a heartbeat! It’s kind of nice not to have someone whispering in your ear the whole time. I’m not so sure I’m ready for solo dinner, though. If only I were that brave!
http://tulipsandrain.wordpress.com/ Angela

I would absolutely go to dinner by myself! I’m not so sure about the movie though…whenever I see men at movies by themselves it makes me a little uncomfortable (I know, I know!) If I really really reaaally wanted to see the movie I suppose I probably would.
Odavis9

Of course sometimes a girl just needs to enjoy being alone
http://twitter.com/amor0713 Ashley Rizzardo

Definitely! Having the company is great and conversation is never a bad thing. But if the opportunity presents itself where I want to go out for dinner and a movie and no one can join me, I will still go with it. While some would see it as awkward or lonely, I disagree. When I am at dinner alone, I at least have a book with me so I’m at least not staring at the wall or at the diners next to me. I think that when I eat alone or see a movie alone it allows me to focus more on that one thing. I really focus on the taste of what I am eating or I allow myself to get completely into the movie. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going out for your own personal date night!
Debra Norris

I’ve never done this but after reading all these comments I feel I should try it!

Debra Norris
honestlydebra.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/TiffanyEleanor Tiffany Motton

I have definitely gone to dinner by myself. It gives me time to think about things going on with my life and just have ME time. I find that going to dinner on my own is much more relaxing and I enjoy it more.
http://stylizedexistence.com/blog Lauren Corso

I have never gone to a movie alone, but have eaten plenty of dinner alone, especially when I was working in Prague. I didn’t have a ton of friends there, so I went out to eat all the time by myself. I agree with some of the other comments that sitting at the bar makes it more fun because you can strike up conversations with others. And it’s a good lesson in self confidence!
http://mousewings.dreamwidth.org/ Iris

I haven’t been to a dinner alone but would be willing to do so.

I have been to a film alone (a while Evil Dead marathon).
Mallory @forkvsspoon

I am more comfortable going to a movie by myself versus dinner, but I am not against it! Can’t wait for others to have a good time.
Marty

I’d do it!
Bailey Jean

Absolutely, I would! Sometimes in the hustle & bustle you need a night to yourself, whether you originally think you do or not. Instead of bumming around, listening to the voice of self-pity that mocks because everyone else has plans but you, make the most of it! Some of my favorite outings have been nights on the town by myself. Everyone should try it. It just might surprise you.
Stefany Flores7

I’d probably get takeout and watch something on Netflix instead. I don’t mind being alone but not in public; that’s just uncomfortable.
Chloe Moon

I’m an only child and up until 3 years I was chronically single. I’ve gone out to eat and a movie by myself more than I’d like to admit. It’s not so bad! =)

Ergo – Blog
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1430592750 Jenny Wise

I probably wouldn’t do dinner by myself but I would definitely head to the movie. It’s liberating and makes me feel like an independent woman! Movies by yourself can be the ultimate meditation, as long as you have some popcorn by your side.
Meghan

Yes! While company is always nice, being independent and unafraid to do things by yourself is important. Besides, everybody has to eat right, regardless of whether or not you have company?
http://twitter.com/AnnaRathgeber Anna

I love going out on my own, I do it more often than going out with a group of people, in fact. No one will rush, I get what I wanted or worked for and can relax completely. That`s perfection.
http://twitter.com/staffbens s • c • b

After reading all the replies, I think I deffffff need to try this out.
Jubinvillemelissa

I’d definitely go to dinner and a movie alone, but on a Thursday night I might resort to dinner and a movie at home. I prefer to lay low during the week and relax.
Nancie Bee

I never mind going to the movies by myself, although I don’t usually do the Saturday night thing.
But, dinner by myself is one of my challenges I have given myself. We have a cabin near a small Colorado town and I am frequently up there with teens that want to be in town but not with me and no spouse. There’s a small restaurant I love and I’m determined to plop myself down at the bar there and have dinner all by my lonesome. And NOT spend the meal with my cell phone.
Gabriellescalese

Of course. Why not have time to yourself to relax & be drama free. Eating alone does not mean you are lonely or don’t have anyone to make plans with; it shows you can give time to yourself & are an independent person.
amanda tinsley

In the past I have found it very challenging (for me, not in general) but since I am long over that hump, I actually really, REALLY enjoy it.it does require some ego boosting the first time around, i found

amanda
http://thingstoholdandstir.blogspot.com/
http://gabrilea.wordpress.com/ Lina

Definitely. I love also and little trips by myself, like going to the Baltic sea, to Nida (little town near sea). Spa, books, silent, new people, little challenges.

And about being all alone near table… I just adore having breakfast in the city, like on Sunday.
http://www.floralandfrayed.com/ Margaret Barley

I think I would go pick up a bottle of wine, rent a Gosling movie, grab the newest issue of The Knot, head home, light my favorite candle, and draw a hot bubble bath.

THEN snuggle up in my pjs!
freckles

I absolutely love eating and going out by myself! I am engaged and starting to plan for the wedding, and it is such a luxury to just sit by yourself and take everything in. But, I also know that not every woman does this and it has to do with the fact of being self conscious of being alone, and what everyone thinks. For many years I was alone and I am extremely independent because of that fact. So, when I have a break from my work and my fiance I go to the movies, eat dinner, or grab a coffee and just enjoy that moment.
when we wander

I would love to say that I would definitely go to dinner and a movie by myself, but realistically I’d probably decide to save the money and use it over the weekend to catch up with friends. When I worked at a restaurant, I thought the most awesome people were those who came in by him/herself and a book. Chances are, I’d more likely go to a movie by myself.

http://www.whenwewander.blogspot.com
SaraP

The thought of going to dinner and a movie by myself used to terrify me, but the older I get the more I want to! There’s nothing like treating yourself with some quality “me” time.
http://www.streetsandstripes.com/ Chaucee

The last time I did dinner by myself it was in the summer, but it was one of the most enjoyable experiences! I wouldn’t choose it over going out with friends, but I learned something about myself that night, and I’m happy I still did what I wanted to do regardless.
Michaela Allen

If it’s a small, quiet little restaurant where I can read a book as I enjoy my meal and a glass of wine, I don’t mind going on my own. I’ve gone to movies and plays that I really wanted to see by myself when no one else was interested, and it’s totally enjoyable—you never interact with others while watching a movie in theaters anyway! I visit my long-distance boyfriend on weekends when I don’t work, but he usually works mornings on the weekends, so I get to explore his city a bit by myself, and it’s always enjoyable to have a bit of alone time just seeing and doing things that are novel to me, but familiar to him.
http://spitonthestreet.com/ melody

I used to work as a waitress during my college days. After a slow Sunday evening shift there were so many times when I was cut by 6:30/7 p.m. I would head over to the local movie theater and watch a movie by myself all the time. It was an awesome way to unwind, and the movies were SO CHEAP. I loved the “me” time!
http://www.prettyandfun.com/ cait

I do both frequently! It’s liberating to do what you want, when you want and not need anyone to accompany you.
http://www.facebook.com/nicole.rinaldi Nicole Rinaldi

I do literally EVERYthing and anything by myself. I don’t care. If I can’t find someone to come out with me, you best believe that won’t stop me from having fun!
http://livingmylifeasiknowit.wordpress.com/ Christina Tamm

I do it all the time. To me its the perfect way to wind down and reflect on lfe and things going on around me. Its me time and to me its more enjoyable then sitting at home by myself.