Dining alone

This piece from Frank Bruni in The New York Times asks whether dining out alone is OK these days- is there a stigma attached? Is it embarrassing, or normal? Apparently solo dining is very much a boys' club, which makes me feel all heartened that I enjoy and do go to the movies, coffee and to dinner alone whenever I want.

It's definitely a confidence thing, though. Sometimes I'm just not up to it, although every time I go, I wonder if people are staring at me, or thinking I'm a reviewer (as if!) or just a lonely, loveless, friendless foodie. It's great to order whatever you want, take as much time as you want, find a cosy spot in the corner with a book and while some time away. Might be time to go again soon, in fact.