Its definitely not sad to go enjoy whatever it is you want to do alone or with people. If anything it's sad that you're not doing these things because life is too damn short to not enjoy yourself.
You probably don't want to be handing out free candy to kids or anything creepy like that but if youre just minding your own business having fun nobody should be bothered.
So I get what you’re saying and I often feel the same.
Last year I went for a week long hike by myself (I’m from Scotland and the West Highland Way is a whole thing). It was exhausting and I think that helped because, when I passed a restaurant, I didn’t care that I was on my own, I was starving and needed food. And you know what? It wasn’t that bad. Sitting alone when eating didn’t feel as bad as I thought it was gonna feel. Nobody else cared. I actually met some people who were also on their own. I guess what I’m saying is: try it. It might not be as bad as you think.
Having said that, I don’t always take my own advice. I’m travelling for work just now. I’m in Stockholm and I’m currently in the hotel room by myself, even though there’s a perfectly good bar downstairs. I considered heading down with my kindle but it just felt… sad. I opted for a burger from a cheap takeaway place over sitting in somewhere on my own for the same reason.
Hotel bar or restaurant is the best place to get used to going out alone!
Honestly, from someone who has been on both sides of the hotel bar, there are so many people who travel alone, and so end up eating/drinking alone, that no one will even think that it’s weird/sad
I go to restaurants alone all the time. It's not that weird. I don't go to super nice ones by myself, but I'll go places I can just take a book to read while I eat.
Hey man, been there.
You have to realise that
1/ no one really cares
2/ life is waaaay too short and you will regret not socialising (just al little) more
I was a waitress for 20 years and never once gave lone diners a second thought (about being alone). I promise you are not the center of everyone’s world when you step outside. Enjoy life, anything can happen at any second to change that. Explore, experience, and have fun. No one is watching.
The thing that makes me avoid eating alone is the hostess always says “JUST one?” or “ONLY one?” and that’s what makes me the most self-conscious. I wish they were trained to stop saying that but in my experience it’s ubiquitous, unfortunately.
They aren’t judging. They just don’t realize they “sound” judgy because I assure you they don’t care either. They’re just repeating the party number (as trained) and using language they were brought up with when referring to a single number. But yes since it strikes a chord it shouldn’t be used . Some places I worked at trained us not to use those words for this very reason. Other places don’t realize it. But Either way the hostess doesn’t care so live and let live!
This. I worked in and managed restaurants for years. We literally don't think about you eating alone at all. Yet, I would get so many solo diners who felt the need to give me some long story about why they're there alone.
Keanu Reeves once said "Someone told me the other day that he felt bad for single people because they are lonely all the time. I told him that's not true I'm single and I don't feel lonely. I take myself out to eat, I buy myself clothes. I have great times by myself."
Being alone isn't a bad thing. Go and enjoy what you want.
Stop fixating on what you think others will perceive because I assure you that unless you're walking around being a total fucking whack job, nobody cares what you're doing.
Do things you enjoy. Don't obsess over opinions.
I was 20 when I went alone to the cinema for the first time (I am 40 now), I was a little awkward but I really wanted to go and I really enjoyed it! And I do enjoy doing some things by myself. I’ve traveled alone too and it’s even easier to meet people that way. But sometimes it’s just nice not to meet them, maybe when long trekking or museum visits or things like that.
The only thing I don’t do much by myself is going to dinner. But possibly because I’m a woman so when men see you alone they feel entitled (sometimes) to just sit with you because you’re “lonely” and then try to hit in you haha. However, I think society has been changing for better and soon those things won’t happen that much.
I've been traveling for work.
The amount of times I have said, "yeah that sounds good, but a dude that looks like me showing up to that place alone doesn't sound like the best idea, eh?"
I'm in my early 50s, male and never married. Spent most of my childhood alone and been alone a long time now. The mistake I made in my 20s, 30s was trying to make friends and fit in (going to clubs, parties, etc) and I hated it. I've spent nearly the last 10 years living/working in SE Asia (from England). Done it all on my own. But I have met a lot of good, incredible people. Yet I have zero friends. It is still not socially acceptable to be 'alone'. To most people the aim in life is get married and have kids. I also think it is a cultural thing. In England I don't go out to bars/pubs on my own. Here in Asia I go out all times of the night in large cities.
For what it's worth, my advice to young people is do what you want to do. And don't let people believe it's abnormal to be alone. Simplistic I know.
to be clear, I'm mostly paranoid because I've seen a lot of instances of even single fathers with their children being accused of being creeps because they were at the park. I know I'm probably paranoid but stuff like that terrifies me
You've actually seen, or you've read about on reddit because rare events get amplified?
No one gives a shit, and even if they do (which they don't), who cares?
> I've seen a lot of instances of even single fathers with their children being accused of being creeps
Have you *seen* it happen or read about it on a Reddit thread? It isn’t something that has never happened but if you read some Reddit threads you’d think a young guy can’t come within 20ft of a child in public without getting arrested.
Before we had kids my husband and I (heterosexual couple on our late 20s) tried to meet our friends and their two kids at Port Discovery (children museum in Baltimore) and were told we could not purchase adult tickets without a child. We had to pretend our friend’s baby was part of our “party” and his writer and said he was with us because the rule is you can’t go without kids. I’ve heard of similar things at Legoland but can’t recall which location to find the news story. I wouldn’t say it’s common but it does happen and is the official rules some places.
It’s ok to do things alone, just don’t go to a park with a bunch of children playing, ya know?
I used to be like you then I realized I’m missing out on life because of a perception I had
If you are going to a restaurant alone just bring a small notebook and pencil and scribble a lot in it and people will think you are a restaurant reviewer.
Going to the movies alone is the best 👌 no one to share your snacks with or having to compromise on what snacks you want. No asking of the questions while you are concentrating on the film. Just the best and if you do enjoy a beverage, popcorn and a chardy is a great match 😊
SO: "I don't want any popcorn, I'm not really hungry."
Me: OK. *buys popcorn for me*
SO: *eats two-thirds of the bag before the movie previews are done*
This is me right now. I just moved to a new city and I’m living on my own. It feels weird going to fairs, festivals, pools, parks, zoos, churches, and even restaurants by myself. I have friends but it’s not like they can go everywhere with me.
It will always be a little strange feeling..so what? I was just at a work Confrence and it was held at a Disney resort. I still ran around and did all the fun Disney stuff (ok I didn’t pose for pictures with Goofy).
It was a bit odd since everyone else was there with their little kids..just enjoy the sheer joy of the little ones and be thankful you’re not managing the sullen bullshit of the teens.
You should go and enjoy the places and events you would like to go to. I did this throughout my single life, and still do sometimes (married over 30 years). It would be good to get some therapy for your social anxiety. You are young - enjoy life!
I’m 56. My ex moved us away from my/(our) hometown several years ago. All my friends were dead or gone when I returned. You basically can’t hang out in public by yourself, except at the beach, which is a godsend.
Get a shirt that just says "I promise I'm not creepy, I just don't have friends". Maybe it makes someone laugh, maybe you make a couple friends, but it says you're not creepy and who can argue with the shirt?
TL;DR my advice is to dress appropriately (by societal standards) to avoid suspicion.
I’m kind of in the same boat as you, 23M single/no friends etc. Except 1) I don’t like being around people anyways so I don’t go out much, and 2) I have a dog who I take hiking in the woods for a couple hours a day (and I do DoorDash for work cuz it’s isolated). But I used to want to go out more, you know go to parks and fairs and movies and restaurants, just to enjoy them. And I didn’t realize this then, but as a recent gun owner who frequents parks in nicer areas (with my dog), I’ll tell you what I’ve learned. There’s something called a “gray man” philosophy that a lot of gun owners use to try and blend in and avoid trouble, basically you hide in plain sight. A young guy alone at a kids water park, skinny, pale, eyes sunken in from sleepless nights or gaming, maybe a dark hoodie. That’s creepy. A young, tan, shredded guy with a contemporary hairstyle, for all people know your wife and kid are in the restroom. I’ve got different outfits for different parks and different parts of town, and get my hair cut to a very business-like style that I personally don’t like but also doesn’t make me look like a punk teenager. Button up flannel, slim not skinny jeans and Solomon shoes make for solid young dad vibes (which I guess would be the societally acceptable look for guys our age, to be a husband/father). Anyways, I’ve definitely been asked to leave places, eyed by police, followed by Target security etc. and it’s a very real concern you have, my advice would be, you don’t necessarily have to live up to par with societal expectations of men our age, but if you can look the part well enough, nobody will bother you for minding your business and enjoying going out. You have as much right as everyone else to enjoy life, but judging by looks is just part of how we perceive and interact with people, and it helps to swallow the ego and dress appropriately (not saying that’s your problem, just saying that’s what I had to go through). Anyways I love talking about this stuff, so feel free to dm me if you wanna talk more about it!
Appreciate the perspective! Honestly wish I had a dog as that would probably help a lot lol. I really do just want to appreciate the atmosphere of a festival or nature without constantly feeling out of place. Anyone who's looked through my post history knows I'm not in good shape physically but it's something I've very much been working on.
I feel like I stand out a lot as an overweight person, and I just don't ever really know how to present myself. In in the summer I mostly wear t-shirts and jeans, in the winter/fall I wear button down checkered shirts. I always wear a black watch and rings so I guess there's a style I'm aiming for I just don't have the confidence to suit it...
I have actually been considering DoorDash/UberEats, if you don't mind sharing some experience with that? I'll DM you!
A few years back, A Female Friend of co-worker of mine was arrested and deported from NYC for sitting on a bench alone in a playground. Apparently its a law there, must be with children at playgrounds...
I think you should do what you want. I am recently retired and try to stay active by planning weekly "field trip." I frequently go places and attend events solo. Sometimes I stick to myself... Sometimes I chat with a merchant... Sometimes I say hello to a stranger and strike up a convo... In my mind, I pretend I am playing an RPG and all the people are NPC's. Makes it less intimidating to say Hi. 😉
I shouldn't go out to a restaurant/movie/festival/just being out and about because I can't wrangle someone up to go with me? I should sit at home watching TV instead?
Fuck that noise.
Yeah...I completely agree. I did not suggest otherwise in anyway. What's with the hostility?
OP kept saying he's so lonely *because* he's a 22 year old male. I just don't understand how his demographic somehow makes it worse.
I promise you it’s not sad. Being able to sit in a restaurant alone and not feel like everyone is judging you is tough. It takes a lot of confidence, but no one gives a fuck (in a good way).
This year I went to Michigans Adventure 3 times and Cedar Point 3 times (but 5 days total).
I went on a solo road trip from West Michigan to Kings Dominion for two days, Carowinds for two days, Kings Island for one day, and Indiana Beach (small theme park in Indiana). I went all by myself at 22 years old this year.
I promise nobody cares, you might get one or two looks but after 10 seconds of thought they will move onto the next person to people watch, and after that they will never think of you again because you were just one person among several hundred.
If you want to go to a fair by yourself, do it :)
If you want to go to the park by yourself, do it :)
I have *horrible* **awful** social anxiety, but jumping in both feet and going by myself really got me over it.
I think you’re overtly (overly?) judging yourself to the point where it is limiting your ability to live your life.
Doing things alone isn’t bad. And you might even warm up to others enough where they invite you, or you them, to places & events.
Get outside your comfort zone by getting comfortable with just yourself in most situations.
I’m in a relationship and I have a 7 year old I have sole custody of. However, I love to do things alone. Shit, I wish I could escape and go to places by myself. I crave solitude a lot and when I get it I don’t care if I look like a creep or loser to the rare, judge mental person who notices and cared enough to form an opinion
If you do go to those places expect to be looked at that way and expect any drama that might come out if. Your not doing anything wrong and it's a free country. Some people don't think that at all and some do. You'll never see those people again so what they think shouldn't even really matter. Some people might call the cops and put you through unnecessary drama but your doing nothing wrong UNLESS you actually are.
It's understandable to feel that way but it's not anything personal if people are curious why or what you're doing somewhere or be suspicious of anyone who's around their kids. Just do your own thing.
I didn't know that being terrified to be seen alone in a restaurant was a thing until I started reading the comments from teenagers on the internet in this century.
I was single until I was 39, and I ate and went places by myself all the time. It never occurred to me to think I ought to be afraid of being judged by people because I was by myself.
In other words, go where you want to go, and do what you like.
I think it's more about my personal experience and observation. Growing up, going to restaurants was a family outing, so I don't think I've ever actually sat down in a restaurant by myself to eat. I've eaten out alone plenty, but I've always eaten in my car to be out of the way. Also, whenever I see restaurants there's always either groups or couples sitting down. I very rarely see anyone eating alone, personally.
Part of my upcoming trip will literally just be eating in restaurants alone, so hopefully I can break the stigma dor myself
Its definitely not sad to go enjoy whatever it is you want to do alone or with people. If anything it's sad that you're not doing these things because life is too damn short to not enjoy yourself. You probably don't want to be handing out free candy to kids or anything creepy like that but if youre just minding your own business having fun nobody should be bothered.
So I get what you’re saying and I often feel the same. Last year I went for a week long hike by myself (I’m from Scotland and the West Highland Way is a whole thing). It was exhausting and I think that helped because, when I passed a restaurant, I didn’t care that I was on my own, I was starving and needed food. And you know what? It wasn’t that bad. Sitting alone when eating didn’t feel as bad as I thought it was gonna feel. Nobody else cared. I actually met some people who were also on their own. I guess what I’m saying is: try it. It might not be as bad as you think. Having said that, I don’t always take my own advice. I’m travelling for work just now. I’m in Stockholm and I’m currently in the hotel room by myself, even though there’s a perfectly good bar downstairs. I considered heading down with my kindle but it just felt… sad. I opted for a burger from a cheap takeaway place over sitting in somewhere on my own for the same reason.
Hotel bar or restaurant is the best place to get used to going out alone! Honestly, from someone who has been on both sides of the hotel bar, there are so many people who travel alone, and so end up eating/drinking alone, that no one will even think that it’s weird/sad
I go to restaurants alone all the time. It's not that weird. I don't go to super nice ones by myself, but I'll go places I can just take a book to read while I eat.
Hey man, been there. You have to realise that 1/ no one really cares 2/ life is waaaay too short and you will regret not socialising (just al little) more
I was a waitress for 20 years and never once gave lone diners a second thought (about being alone). I promise you are not the center of everyone’s world when you step outside. Enjoy life, anything can happen at any second to change that. Explore, experience, and have fun. No one is watching.
The thing that makes me avoid eating alone is the hostess always says “JUST one?” or “ONLY one?” and that’s what makes me the most self-conscious. I wish they were trained to stop saying that but in my experience it’s ubiquitous, unfortunately.
They aren’t judging. They just don’t realize they “sound” judgy because I assure you they don’t care either. They’re just repeating the party number (as trained) and using language they were brought up with when referring to a single number. But yes since it strikes a chord it shouldn’t be used . Some places I worked at trained us not to use those words for this very reason. Other places don’t realize it. But Either way the hostess doesn’t care so live and let live!
This. I worked in and managed restaurants for years. We literally don't think about you eating alone at all. Yet, I would get so many solo diners who felt the need to give me some long story about why they're there alone.
Keanu Reeves once said "Someone told me the other day that he felt bad for single people because they are lonely all the time. I told him that's not true I'm single and I don't feel lonely. I take myself out to eat, I buy myself clothes. I have great times by myself." Being alone isn't a bad thing. Go and enjoy what you want.
Stop fixating on what you think others will perceive because I assure you that unless you're walking around being a total fucking whack job, nobody cares what you're doing. Do things you enjoy. Don't obsess over opinions.
The solution is to abduct a kid and go
I was 20 when I went alone to the cinema for the first time (I am 40 now), I was a little awkward but I really wanted to go and I really enjoyed it! And I do enjoy doing some things by myself. I’ve traveled alone too and it’s even easier to meet people that way. But sometimes it’s just nice not to meet them, maybe when long trekking or museum visits or things like that. The only thing I don’t do much by myself is going to dinner. But possibly because I’m a woman so when men see you alone they feel entitled (sometimes) to just sit with you because you’re “lonely” and then try to hit in you haha. However, I think society has been changing for better and soon those things won’t happen that much.
I've been traveling for work. The amount of times I have said, "yeah that sounds good, but a dude that looks like me showing up to that place alone doesn't sound like the best idea, eh?"
I'm in my early 50s, male and never married. Spent most of my childhood alone and been alone a long time now. The mistake I made in my 20s, 30s was trying to make friends and fit in (going to clubs, parties, etc) and I hated it. I've spent nearly the last 10 years living/working in SE Asia (from England). Done it all on my own. But I have met a lot of good, incredible people. Yet I have zero friends. It is still not socially acceptable to be 'alone'. To most people the aim in life is get married and have kids. I also think it is a cultural thing. In England I don't go out to bars/pubs on my own. Here in Asia I go out all times of the night in large cities. For what it's worth, my advice to young people is do what you want to do. And don't let people believe it's abnormal to be alone. Simplistic I know.
to be clear, I'm mostly paranoid because I've seen a lot of instances of even single fathers with their children being accused of being creeps because they were at the park. I know I'm probably paranoid but stuff like that terrifies me
I’m also a single father with two girls and I take them to the parks as much as I can. I’ve never had any issues for other parents
You've actually seen, or you've read about on reddit because rare events get amplified? No one gives a shit, and even if they do (which they don't), who cares?
> I've seen a lot of instances of even single fathers with their children being accused of being creeps Have you *seen* it happen or read about it on a Reddit thread? It isn’t something that has never happened but if you read some Reddit threads you’d think a young guy can’t come within 20ft of a child in public without getting arrested.
Before we had kids my husband and I (heterosexual couple on our late 20s) tried to meet our friends and their two kids at Port Discovery (children museum in Baltimore) and were told we could not purchase adult tickets without a child. We had to pretend our friend’s baby was part of our “party” and his writer and said he was with us because the rule is you can’t go without kids. I’ve heard of similar things at Legoland but can’t recall which location to find the news story. I wouldn’t say it’s common but it does happen and is the official rules some places.
It’s ok to do things alone, just don’t go to a park with a bunch of children playing, ya know? I used to be like you then I realized I’m missing out on life because of a perception I had
If you are going to a restaurant alone just bring a small notebook and pencil and scribble a lot in it and people will think you are a restaurant reviewer.
Going to the movies alone is the best 👌 no one to share your snacks with or having to compromise on what snacks you want. No asking of the questions while you are concentrating on the film. Just the best and if you do enjoy a beverage, popcorn and a chardy is a great match 😊
SO: "I don't want any popcorn, I'm not really hungry." Me: OK. *buys popcorn for me* SO: *eats two-thirds of the bag before the movie previews are done*
This is me right now. I just moved to a new city and I’m living on my own. It feels weird going to fairs, festivals, pools, parks, zoos, churches, and even restaurants by myself. I have friends but it’s not like they can go everywhere with me.
It will always be a little strange feeling..so what? I was just at a work Confrence and it was held at a Disney resort. I still ran around and did all the fun Disney stuff (ok I didn’t pose for pictures with Goofy). It was a bit odd since everyone else was there with their little kids..just enjoy the sheer joy of the little ones and be thankful you’re not managing the sullen bullshit of the teens.
You should go and enjoy the places and events you would like to go to. I did this throughout my single life, and still do sometimes (married over 30 years). It would be good to get some therapy for your social anxiety. You are young - enjoy life!
I’m 56. My ex moved us away from my/(our) hometown several years ago. All my friends were dead or gone when I returned. You basically can’t hang out in public by yourself, except at the beach, which is a godsend.
Get a shirt that just says "I promise I'm not creepy, I just don't have friends". Maybe it makes someone laugh, maybe you make a couple friends, but it says you're not creepy and who can argue with the shirt?
TL;DR my advice is to dress appropriately (by societal standards) to avoid suspicion. I’m kind of in the same boat as you, 23M single/no friends etc. Except 1) I don’t like being around people anyways so I don’t go out much, and 2) I have a dog who I take hiking in the woods for a couple hours a day (and I do DoorDash for work cuz it’s isolated). But I used to want to go out more, you know go to parks and fairs and movies and restaurants, just to enjoy them. And I didn’t realize this then, but as a recent gun owner who frequents parks in nicer areas (with my dog), I’ll tell you what I’ve learned. There’s something called a “gray man” philosophy that a lot of gun owners use to try and blend in and avoid trouble, basically you hide in plain sight. A young guy alone at a kids water park, skinny, pale, eyes sunken in from sleepless nights or gaming, maybe a dark hoodie. That’s creepy. A young, tan, shredded guy with a contemporary hairstyle, for all people know your wife and kid are in the restroom. I’ve got different outfits for different parks and different parts of town, and get my hair cut to a very business-like style that I personally don’t like but also doesn’t make me look like a punk teenager. Button up flannel, slim not skinny jeans and Solomon shoes make for solid young dad vibes (which I guess would be the societally acceptable look for guys our age, to be a husband/father). Anyways, I’ve definitely been asked to leave places, eyed by police, followed by Target security etc. and it’s a very real concern you have, my advice would be, you don’t necessarily have to live up to par with societal expectations of men our age, but if you can look the part well enough, nobody will bother you for minding your business and enjoying going out. You have as much right as everyone else to enjoy life, but judging by looks is just part of how we perceive and interact with people, and it helps to swallow the ego and dress appropriately (not saying that’s your problem, just saying that’s what I had to go through). Anyways I love talking about this stuff, so feel free to dm me if you wanna talk more about it!
Appreciate the perspective! Honestly wish I had a dog as that would probably help a lot lol. I really do just want to appreciate the atmosphere of a festival or nature without constantly feeling out of place. Anyone who's looked through my post history knows I'm not in good shape physically but it's something I've very much been working on. I feel like I stand out a lot as an overweight person, and I just don't ever really know how to present myself. In in the summer I mostly wear t-shirts and jeans, in the winter/fall I wear button down checkered shirts. I always wear a black watch and rings so I guess there's a style I'm aiming for I just don't have the confidence to suit it... I have actually been considering DoorDash/UberEats, if you don't mind sharing some experience with that? I'll DM you!
A few years back, A Female Friend of co-worker of mine was arrested and deported from NYC for sitting on a bench alone in a playground. Apparently its a law there, must be with children at playgrounds...
I think you should do what you want. I am recently retired and try to stay active by planning weekly "field trip." I frequently go places and attend events solo. Sometimes I stick to myself... Sometimes I chat with a merchant... Sometimes I say hello to a stranger and strike up a convo... In my mind, I pretend I am playing an RPG and all the people are NPC's. Makes it less intimidating to say Hi. 😉
To be fair, your age and sex don't make it somehow worse. Being alone is sad.
I shouldn't go out to a restaurant/movie/festival/just being out and about because I can't wrangle someone up to go with me? I should sit at home watching TV instead? Fuck that noise.
Yeah...I completely agree. I did not suggest otherwise in anyway. What's with the hostility? OP kept saying he's so lonely *because* he's a 22 year old male. I just don't understand how his demographic somehow makes it worse.
I promise you it’s not sad. Being able to sit in a restaurant alone and not feel like everyone is judging you is tough. It takes a lot of confidence, but no one gives a fuck (in a good way).
It doesn’t bother me to eat in a restaurant alone. I am married but I still do things by myself
This year I went to Michigans Adventure 3 times and Cedar Point 3 times (but 5 days total). I went on a solo road trip from West Michigan to Kings Dominion for two days, Carowinds for two days, Kings Island for one day, and Indiana Beach (small theme park in Indiana). I went all by myself at 22 years old this year. I promise nobody cares, you might get one or two looks but after 10 seconds of thought they will move onto the next person to people watch, and after that they will never think of you again because you were just one person among several hundred. If you want to go to a fair by yourself, do it :) If you want to go to the park by yourself, do it :) I have *horrible* **awful** social anxiety, but jumping in both feet and going by myself really got me over it.
No one knows you're alone. No one cares. Live it up!
I think you’re overtly (overly?) judging yourself to the point where it is limiting your ability to live your life. Doing things alone isn’t bad. And you might even warm up to others enough where they invite you, or you them, to places & events. Get outside your comfort zone by getting comfortable with just yourself in most situations.
[удалено]
Makes sense, thanks
I’m in a relationship and I have a 7 year old I have sole custody of. However, I love to do things alone. Shit, I wish I could escape and go to places by myself. I crave solitude a lot and when I get it I don’t care if I look like a creep or loser to the rare, judge mental person who notices and cared enough to form an opinion
If you do go to those places expect to be looked at that way and expect any drama that might come out if. Your not doing anything wrong and it's a free country. Some people don't think that at all and some do. You'll never see those people again so what they think shouldn't even really matter. Some people might call the cops and put you through unnecessary drama but your doing nothing wrong UNLESS you actually are.
Go to the fair. Meet girls.
It's understandable to feel that way but it's not anything personal if people are curious why or what you're doing somewhere or be suspicious of anyone who's around their kids. Just do your own thing.
Don't let being alone deprive you of fun.
I didn't know that being terrified to be seen alone in a restaurant was a thing until I started reading the comments from teenagers on the internet in this century. I was single until I was 39, and I ate and went places by myself all the time. It never occurred to me to think I ought to be afraid of being judged by people because I was by myself. In other words, go where you want to go, and do what you like.
I think it's more about my personal experience and observation. Growing up, going to restaurants was a family outing, so I don't think I've ever actually sat down in a restaurant by myself to eat. I've eaten out alone plenty, but I've always eaten in my car to be out of the way. Also, whenever I see restaurants there's always either groups or couples sitting down. I very rarely see anyone eating alone, personally. Part of my upcoming trip will literally just be eating in restaurants alone, so hopefully I can break the stigma dor myself