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“Hey, do you want to go out to eat somewhere?” Going to a restaurant is a fun and delicious activity. From business lunches to romantic dinner dates, eating out is a great way to socialize and enjoy something delicious. You can dine with anyone: friends, family, colleagues, or simply reserve a table for one of them. Have you done this before? If the answer is yes, then you know where this article is going. If you don't, you're missing out on a great experience. Eating alone doesn't mean closing your mind. Definitely not boring. Rather, this experience will help you become closer not only to yourself but also to the world in which you live. Here's why:

A sense of independence: Eating out doesn't mean you're alone. Instead, it's about being independent enough to go where you want, eat what you want, and pay your bills. As a child you couldn't go out to eat alone, and now that you can, it gives you more strength and makes you feel like an adult. Try it!

Focus entirely on your food: When you're eating with friends, you probably need or want to have a conversation. Eating with someone is a great socializing activity, but chatting can be somewhat of a distraction from eating. When you eat an interesting meal alone at a restaurant, you are more likely to concentrate on the food and fully enjoy every bite.

Eat what you want: Whether you're dining alone or in a large group of 12, it's not considered polite to impose your choices and preferences on everyone in the group. People argue and order first, so you might miss out on the food you really wanted. Well, when you dine alone, you can order and eat whatever you want without having to worry about others.

Eat the way you like: Whether you're eating with your partner or a close friend, you should follow dining etiquette when eating out. However, if no one is watching, you may feel more comfortable and not have to worry about others watching you if you eat too much or accidentally drop sushi from your chopsticks.

Talk to new people outside your circle: Planning meals with someone means spending time with them, not just going out to eat. If you focus on conversations and the company in general, you will have little scope for interacting with new people. However, when you're alone, you're more likely to build a connection with your coworkers and the people around you, which can lead to new experiences.

If you've never eaten alone before, start at more casual places like sandwich shops or burger joints. Once you feel comfortable, you can dress up and go to a fancy restaurant with confidence.