Eating alone is uncomfortable

[Lesley1]

I eat many of my meals alone. I and my colleagues don't have the time to go out for lunch (even to the employee cafeteria) and we tend to eat at our desks when we get a break. At night, DH often has eaten by the time I get home (or he still is working). It feels awkward and uncomfortable to sit down at a table and just eat, with no one to talk to, and to ease the discomfort, I do something else while I eat. Or I don't bother sitting at the table and plunk myself down on the bed in front of the TV. I don't need anyone to remind me that it is not possible to eat mindfully when I'm not focused on eating. Has anyone else grappled with this situation? I'd love some help here.

[akansan]

Lesley, that's one of the reasons I've started putting background music on while I eat. It gives my mind something else to focus on rather than the fact that I'm sitting at a table, alone, but it's not so distracting that my mind is "captured" and made forgetful. Does that make sense?

[Lesley1]

Yes, it makes sense. I will try that. Thanks.

[kwvane]

That's a good idea, akansan. I, too, like Lesley, end up eating alone many times, and was experiencing the same feelings. Thanks for sharing!!

[SusieQ]

I eat a lot of meals alone between now and April 13th, 'cause my husband is a tax accountant. I know how you feel.

I find it easier if set up an atmosphere for it. Music in the background, candles, a place mat, cloth napkin....

and then I think about how lovely my table is, how cozy my home, and how happy I am to be eating so well.

In other words, I have to give myself things to enjoy while I'm eating, otherwise I do feel awkward.

Susie

[kwvane]

Oooohhh, the candles are a great idea. I have many of them around, but don't think to light them when I'm on my own. I have noticed that when we eat meals together as a family, having candles lit at the table seems to give the whole meal a calm comfort. Sometimes the answers are just staring us in the face....

[planty]

I hardly ever eat alone. BUT I never get to eat at a table unless we go out. Our tiny 2bd appt. Has no room for a table. Infact the 'puter is where a table should go.

I cant wait to have a table to eat dinner at, Insted of the sofa.

[luv2core]

I love the idea of the candles and some relaxing background music. Thanks!

[JenInCA]

I usually eat breakfast and lunch alone, and dinner if DH is not home. I like to read the newspaper, or thumb through a new catalog, while I enjoy my meal. I find it less distracting than watching TV, and actually soothing, too. I tend to linger over my meal more so than if I just sat down and ate.

I hate eating at a restaurant alone, so I always try to have something to read, so I don't feel so awkward!
I have to say, though, that over-eating actual meal-type food has never been my problem. My problem is all-day-long snacking on sugar so that I'm not hungry for meals and just skip them! That problem is solved so far on Core.

[vita77]

Interesting post. I eat most of my meals alone, and don't mind a bit. I don't even mind eating alone at a restaurant - I do this fairly often on business trips. I've never really given it a second thought!

I'm not sure why I don't feel a lot of the discomfort others feel. I'm an introvert, so I enjoy having some solitary thinking time. The company cafeteria plays music, and I find that relaxing. I also like to people-watch, so in a public place, I find that between the scenery, the wine list, my waitperson, etc., I can always keep myself busy.