Although, I am only a sophomore in college I have grown a lot in the time I have been in school. I have learned more about what I want to do in regards of a career, I have learned more about myself as a person, and I have become more independent. Whether, you go to school across the country, a few hours away from home, in your own city, or just by commuting, college is all what you make of it.
By choosing a school that is a few hours away, I don’t have the opportunity to go home whenever I want. It forces me to stay during the long and sometimes boring weekends and find a routine that works for me. Most weekends, I can be found in the gym, doing homework, watching movies or grabbing a meal or two on my own.
During my first year of college most of my friends lived close by and went home on the weekends. Although I was alone for most of the time that didn’t stop me from living life. I didn’t stay in my room alone all weekend, I went out and did things. I went to Sunday Mass, hit the gym, went to movie nights, and ate meals by myself. Yes, eating alone was uncomfortable at first but the more I went alone the more confident I got. I felt comfortable going to movies alone and being the only one at the gym early on Saturday mornings. When I would go to dinner by myself I enjoyed the silence, in world that is filled with noise, distractions, chaos, and technology, it’s okay to be by ourselves for a few minutes. I like deciding when I wanted to eat and how long I want to stay.
Now, for the record I don’t eat by myself every day, I have my girlfriends who I eat my lunches and dinners with daily and who I can count on for girl talk. Even though I have found people who stay on campus with me and who I can count on to grab brunch with, it’s such a good feeling to know that I can eat by myself and be okay with it.
I know this is not for everyone and it can feel awkward and uncomfortable but give it a try. You may appreciate the silence and the solitude. Some of my most relaxing times are when I am alone with my thoughts. If the feeling of sitting alone scares you, bring a book to read while you eat or call a girlfriend up to chat while you finish eating. Give it a try, you never know you may like something if you never try.
9 replies on “Why it’s Okay to Eat Alone”
Elspeth you are awesome! Eating alone is something I have never been comfortable with. Thanks to this post I might just take myself out to lunch one day. Love you xoxo Aunt Kimmy
Awe! I’m glad I could encourage you. Even if it’s just getting a cup of coffeee alone it’s nice to enjoy the silence and time to ourselves.
Another good reminder of how to enjoy the moment, even if it is eating alone!!
Yes, it’s important to take time for ourselves when we are always doing things for others.
Courageous !
Courageous ! Inspirational
Thank you!
A person has to just take the step to get out of there comfort zone and realize it is OK to do things by yourself just as it is Ok to be with others. So proud of you!
Thank you. Yes, it doesnt take a lot o step out of your comfort zone, even taking a walk or going shopping alone are great thing to do as well.