5 vs. 3 (an explanation)
So what's that all about?
Well.... when I lived in San Francisco it was sort of unheard of to go out to dinner all alone or even do anything like watch a movie by yourself for that matter. It was pretty much expected for one to be accompanied by family and/or friends, a lover, a fucker even or some coworker(s) for that matter. I distinctly remember going into the Metreon and getting ready to watch an Almodovar film when just a few minutes after I sat down a group of my guy friends came into the theatre and noticed me. They asked who I was waiting for and when I said no one they responded, "Girl, watch this movie with with us instead of being a loner!"
Loner? Yikes...
During that part of my life I considered such a state of things pretty embarrassing (now, definitely not). In fact, not only in SF but other parts of the U.S. that I've visited I remember feeling a bit awkward about solo dining. Maybe it was my age or the social setting of the venue, who knows? But somehow in New York City, as well as other countries, it was sort of a comfortable norm to dine or do anything by oneself.
Which brings us to the present state of things.
Last night, after a long treacherous day of number crunching... I decided, instead of cooking dinner at home, that I'd just eat out. The destination was close: Williamsburg Brooklyn at Miyako sushi restaurant. I didn't feel at all uneasy about sitting alone or eating for one. In fact, as my dinner came to my table in a steady time released manner, I began to take notice that 5 tables out of the 8 tables were patrons that were eating alone. 5 singles vs. 3 multi-tops! The majority came into the restaurant by themselves!
It wasn't the first that I noticed this revelation. The first few months living in NY I began to notice a bunch of singletons eating, watching, celebrating and or boozing by themselves. It wasn't a big deal and it seemed socially OK. It was nice.
Sometimes your schedule will conflict with a loved one. Maybe your friends aren't available to join in. Or perhaps you just want to take a break from human interaction and enjoy eating a meal by yourself. Whether it's this... that or the other...
Yesterday evening.... it was just one of those days...
I wanted this time by myself.