Go out to dinner.  Alone.  Don’t worry about it.

It may seem rare, maybe even unthinkable to some, to suggest dining alone, but it can be an enjoyable experience.

Here’s how: take your time ordering; choose a meal you really want.  People-watch or daydream while you’re waiting for your drink and food.  Savor the flavor and eat slowly.

A number of acquaintances and co-workers have looked puzzled or even horrified when I’ve talked about going out to eat  – and they discover I went out alone.  These are often married women, although sometimes a single woman.  I wonder, if you can’t go out to eat alone, how in the world do you try new restaurants if you’re single?  Or what do you do when the hubby doesn’t want to go out?

Don’t limit yourself waiting for a dinner date!

If you need to ease into this DY tip, try these steps:

• Go out to coffee alone.
• At a cafe or restaurant, take a book or magazine with you.
• When meeting friends at a restaurant, arrive 15-20 minutes early (if the place isn’t busy) and see how those few minutes feel, knowing full-well that your friends will arrive soon.
• Try quicker restaurants before seated dining establishments.
• Work your way up to a very nice restaurant, and treat yourself.