Comment from Taryn in NY
Time: January 15, 2009, 8:48 pm

you have to pencil yourself into your own schedule! it’s a MUST. i had to start doing it myself. and i’m a stay at home mom! LOL!!! but seriously… last week OPRAH said she needed to start doing it (that’s when i realized i wasn’t giving MYSELF anytime for ME) ;o)

what a cute restaurant!

XOXO

Comment from Kristy Ford
Time: January 15, 2009, 9:08 pm

This made me wonder. Did those girls at Panera ever figure out you were right there? Glad to hear you are enjoying time with yourself. I need to do that more often.

Comment from Mocha with Linda
Time: January 15, 2009, 9:12 pm

Good for you. I was much older before I was comfortable eating out by myself. I thought there was a flashing light above my table that flashed “Loner/Loser”. Now I love to go with a book and eat and read.

Comment from Bethany
Time: January 15, 2009, 9:31 pm

I cannot TELL you how much I miss that place. Enjoy some lemonade for me next time!

Comment from Larissa
Time: January 15, 2009, 9:44 pm

Sounds like a good way to settle yourself in between beach dances. Way to go! I love moments by myself, even if it’s just hanging laundry on the roof or walking to the store. A few minutes of quiet, when no one is needing my attention, can be remarkably refreshing and calming.

Comment from trs
Time: January 15, 2009, 10:02 pm

Ooh. Sometimes dining by yourself is just the thing.
I do it often.

I draw the line, however, at going to a movie alone. But I’m starting to think I should cave on that one – not everyone wants to see what I want to see – but it’s more affordable to wait for the rental anyway.

Comment from trs
Time: January 15, 2009, 10:05 pm

Oh. I have to add that I was surprise to read that this was a first?!
The beach, now this… good for you. I think it’s important to be comfortable alone, comfortable with yourself – before you ever become a WE. You have to know who you are – or at least start an aquaintance with yourself. Few people truely know who they are prior to their deathbed.

Comment from Alicia K.
Time: January 15, 2009, 10:32 pm

trs,
I highly recommend enjoying a movie solo. I finally broke down and went alone because no one wanted to see the movie I did. It was cold out, I wore a big fluffy sweater, bought a large drink and curled up in a seat all by myself. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I have yet to try dining alone, I’ll work on gathering the nerve.

Comment from lindsey kF
Time: January 15, 2009, 10:50 pm

Looks like my favorite place to eat. I miss the club sandwich…yummmmm.

Comment from Fran
Time: January 15, 2009, 11:20 pm

That is such a grown up thing to do. I’m proud of ya. I’m 39 and it still freaks me out! Ha!

Comment from Melody
Time: January 15, 2009, 11:36 pm

That looks like a nice place to chill. What restaurant is that?

Comment from leigh
Time: January 16, 2009, 2:29 am

i love going to the movies by myself, especially chicky movies:)

Glad you got some time for yourself:)

Leigh-NC

Comment from Rebecca
Time: January 16, 2009, 8:38 am

Good for you! I think people are uncomfortable going out & eating by themselves… but if you arent good company for yourself, how are you going to be good company for anyone else?

Comment from Jenn
Time: January 16, 2009, 11:11 am

This post made me crave their infamous raspberry tea.

And good for you. My recommendation for movies is a Sunday double-matinee, and I take a blanket with me. Nobody at the theater cares.

Comment from Abby
Time: January 16, 2009, 12:02 pm

The reprieve that comes from an rare “moment-for-self” should never be underestimated. Harry Connick Jr. says it’s important to create the image that you are choosing to eat alone. I think it might be a good day for Hope Floats.

Comment from Rachel
Time: January 16, 2009, 1:49 pm

I loved this post!

Comment from Lydia@One Beloved Sister
Time: January 16, 2009, 9:11 pm

I read your post on my phone while I was eating alone at my favorite Mexican place. Yum.