Ah, the delicate art of dining alone—an underrated treasure trove of peace, quiet, and uninterrupted culinary pleasure. Let’s dive into a tale of indignation, elderly persistence, and a “Don’t Mess With Me” attitude, all brought to you by a real Redditor.
So, picture this: our storyteller, a frequent patron at their local joints, decides to indulge in a solo dining experience at their favorite restaurant. Now, you know you’re living large when the staff knows your name and your order, right? That’s some VIP treatment! But, things took a twist that neither they nor the bewildered waiter saw coming.
Enter: the octogenarian force of nature. For simplicity, let’s name her “Gladys,” because why not? Gladys, brimming with chutzpah, plunks her bag down at the table like it’s some kind of ancient handbag flag-claiming unknown territories, and then proceeds to chat up the waiter. Mate, it was like watching National Geographic, but instead of lions, you got a granny claiming her turf.
The restaurant was packed tighter than a can of sardines, every table occupied. The waiter, already knowing that our protagonist likes their solitude, shoots them an empathetic glance. With a subtle shake of the head, a silent “Hell no” is conveyed. But does this deter Gladys? Oh, sweet summer child, no.
Gladys, indomitable as ever, shrugs off the waiter’s polite notices and turns her attention to our table-for-one hero. With a smile that probably could’ve bribed an angel to sin, she asks if there’s an issue with her joining the table. And in that split second, our protagonist looks her dead in the eyes and drops the bomb: “Yes.”
Well, that didn’t go over well. Gladys huffed, grabbed her bag like it was Excalibur, and retreated to the restaurant’s door to wait the supposed 5-10 minutes for a free table, as the waiter had predicted. Ah, that sweet, silent victory!
Post-battle, the aftermath: Our Redditor’s friends and family divided like the Red Sea. Supporters cheered our hero’s sovereignty over their table, applauding the defense against Gladys’ unsolicited company. Detractors wagged fingers with disapproval, deeming the act mean-spirited and unnecessary since the table could seat four, after all. What’s the harm in a little octogenarian company?
But let’s break down the true culinary conundrum here. Dining solo isn’t just a lack of company; it’s a lifestyle. You’ve got your book or phone, the melodic hum of restaurant chatter around you without having to engage—it’s your time. Interrupting that with a chatty stranger? It’s like someone throwing a rave in your Zen garden.
Sure, Gladys wasn’t just anyone. She’s a regular, maybe packing decades of stories ready to spill over the main course. But those stories? Best left untouched, like a fine wine not meant for the solitary drinker. And our intrepid diner? They were there for the wine, not the cheese.
Here’s the deal: Personal space, even in public, is a sacred territory. And our hero was well within their right to defend it. Boundaries are not just for physical interactions—they extend to social comfort, especially when you’re in your own bubble of peace.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the granny at the table. Was it a harsh move? Perhaps to some, but tough decisions are rarely met with unanimous applause. When it comes to personal space and comfort, politeness shouldn’t mean sacrifice.
If there’s a moral to this story, it’s that saying “no” is not a cardinal sin. In fact, it’s essential for maintaining peace of mind. In restaurants or life, your boundaries should be respected. If someone doesn’t ask before plopping down at your metaphorical or literal table, don’t feel bad for sticking to your guns.
So, hero of the solo dining world, I raise a glass to you. To staying true to oneself, to maintaining personal peace, and to the glorious art of dining alone. Next time someone tries to crash your table, serve them a heaping helping of “No, thank you” with a side of your most neutral expression. Because if Gladys can handle it, anyone can.
Stay sassy and dine boldly, dear readers.
Cheers,Roger
Original story
Hey,
so stupid story, but I’ve wanted your input on this. I’m not native, so sorry for any mistakes on my part writing this.
I go out quite regularly, usually once or twice a week. Always to the same two restaurants, and – If not with my parents or friends on a special occasion – I’m alone.
Now, two weeks ago I visited that one restaurant, the waiter directed me to a table of four. He knows my name and my usual order, and after a few minutes brings me the starters.
The restaurant got full to the brim shortly after i entered; all tables were occupied.
It was then, as I was eating my starters, that an older woman (around 80s, I’d say) came to my table, put down her bag on the chair opposite me (without saying anything), and turned around to the waiter. She was a regular as well, started talking to him.
The waiter could see the confusion on my face. As she was facing him – and thus didn’t see my face, i was in her back – the waiter could see both her and me, and i shook my head once to signal him that I did not want some stranger sitting with me.
He saw that and told the woman that all tables are filled up right now, but in around 5-10 mins there should be an free table for her.
The woman then chuckled, saying that “Its all fine” and “I can sit here”. He pointed out that she can’t just sit down at some occupied table, which she dismissed, turning around to me and asking me with a smile if I had a problem with her sitting with to me.
I just looked her in the eyes with a neutral expression and flat out (but not so that others could hear me) said “Yes.” She didn’t like that answer, got a bit angry (she didn’t make a scene though) and grabbed her bag to wait in the restaurants door.
Well, as the waiter “predicted”, after around 5 mins there was a free table and she got to sit down and order. Now while most of my friends (and also my parents) say that I didn’t do anything wrong, and that it was weird she was actually just gonna sit down there, some of my friends said i am TAH cause I was sitting alone anyways, so why would it matter to me, it was just mean denying her a place.
Yes, I sat at a table of four, but it was the waiter that gave me the table. There is one table of two in the restaurant, but it was occupied as well.
And even if she was a regular (i have seen her face before), i just don’t know her, it feels weird for me to eat or read a book while some stranger sits opposite me and watches me doing it. Also, while I don’t know her personally, I do know she is quite a chatty one and most like would’ve talked to me without end.
I go out (alone) to have some peace and quiet and enjoy some good meal..
.
But still – does declining that woman a place at my table make me an AH?