Waldo's Guide to Being a Singular Sensation

Waldo · 11-12-2009, 02:20 AM

You've got two options when you're single:

1. Sullen and Single
2. Singular Sensation

I'm working on #2 (shut it 'Dusa) and finding new and interesting ways to enjoy the single life.

Lesson number one: How To Dine Solo In Public

I actually honed this skill years ago when I began traveling for work. Now I can walk into any restaurant in any city in the world and proudly request a table for one with my head held high and a smile on my face.

It's easiest to accomplish this daunting task by bringing a magazine, a book or a journal. Bringing a laptop to "work" only makes you look like you're a workaholic (not that I would know ANYTHING about that!). This allows you to focus your attention on something other than "what are they thinking about me?"

Eventually you may find yourself able to just bring the book or journal and leave it closed on the table. It's kind of like a security blanket. It's just nice to have there. The bonus here is that you can start to pay attention to the people around you. My favorite part of this phase it that you pick up on conversations. I happen to make up entire histories for couples around me. Sometimes I blog about those stories. If I did this more regularly I'm certain I could write a best seller!

After this stage you might be able to move into the advanced stage where you seek out restaurants with "community tables" or dining bars where you can dine with others and open up opportunities to meet new people. Do not attempt this advanced maneuver if you are prone chewing with your mouth open or spitting when you talk. It's poor form and will only cause people to stare and whisper.

Whether you're hoping they are fleeting or not, enjoy your single days while you've got them.

atomiczombie · 11-12-2009, 04:01 AM

*raises his hand* Single here. I don't mind dining alone if I am at an event by myself. For example, I went to IMsL in 07 by myself, basically knowing no one. I instantly met people and made friends, only had to eat one meal alone. Didn't bother me though.

Paphigleo · 11-12-2009, 04:41 AM

Single workaholic here.

I also don't mind dining alone. I don't get much opportunity though. When I'm not working I'm either home alone or with friends.

Arwen · 11-12-2009, 09:03 AM

Used to hate eating alone. Then I realized why. I was very poor company. lol

I've corrected that. I do love meeting friends for dinner, but it's also fun to just go by myself and relax. I generally do have a book with me though.

Not to hide! I just read all the darn time if I'm not writing (or playing on the computer-heh).

Great thread, Waldo.

I would also suggest Meetup.com as a way to meet others who have similar interests. When I lived in Denver, I was very fond of the Tarot Meetup group. The one here has fizzled but I am toying with the idea of launching some in January. I also have taken up hooping although I haven't had any time for that in a while

Besides...if you eat alone you can pick the place and not worry that someone doesn't like something!

Mindy · 11-12-2009, 09:14 AM

I have absolutely no problem going out alone to a restaurant and I don't think I've ever really taken a book with me or anything like that. In my 20's there was a restaurant I worked at and I'd go in there for cheap eats when I was off work sometimes and since I worked there, I was pretty comfortable going in alone to eat, and that is how I got over the insecure feeling you sometimes get when going out alone to dine.

TeaPartyTart · 11-12-2009, 09:37 AM

While you know I'm attached at the hip with my better half, I enjoy dining alone. Work travel forced me to do it and I actually enjoy sitting and people watching or sitting at a bar and enjoying lunch, a beer, etc.

When I drop the boys off at the groomers I like to hit my fav wine bar and hang out and enjoy a great wine or whiskey (the damn Scot's did that to me).

Dining alone reminds me to slow down and take stock in the great joys of my life and that I'm damn good company:-)

PearlsNLace · 11-12-2009, 10:35 AM

I tend to be a person who worries way to much about what other people are thinking, but that has never stopped me from dining out alone. I simply enjoy dining out more with others. I have enjoyed a very lovely meal with someone who was "spanging" asking for change one evening outside a place I was about to go in to dine alone.

What I do not care for is cooking at home, alone. I am the queen of tupperware and freezing stuff. However, I dont really enjoy even the eating part, alone. I would love to hear some ways to do so more sensationaly.

A Pearl, in lace.

Waldo · 11-12-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PearlsNLace

I tend to be a person who worries way to much about what other people are thinking, but that has never stopped me from dining out alone. I simply enjoy dining out more with others. I have enjoyed a very lovely meal with someone who was "spanging" asking for change one evening outside a place I was about to go in to dine alone.

What I do not care for is cooking at home, alone. I am the queen of tupperware and freezing stuff. However, I dont really enjoy even the eating part, alone. I would love to hear some ways to do so more sensationaly.

A Pearl, in lace.

I'll make that Lesson Numero Dos

Arwen · 11-12-2009, 11:24 AM

PnL, you have hit on one of my favorite subjects.

When you cook for yourself, set the table too. Have a little glass of wine (if you drink). Pour your drink into a glass. Do NOT stand up and eat over the sink.

I love to cook and have a ton of things that can be modified to one person. Or you can make a large meal and freeze it up for later.

We have a cooking thread in the Hobbies forum..

Gemme · 11-12-2009, 01:20 PM

Exactly, Arwen!

You're special, so act like it. Romance yourself. I always feel better about myself when I treat myself like I treat others, no matter my relationship status.

I would, however, like to point out that one does not have to be singular to be sensational. Me, myself and I all agree!

Paphigleo · 11-12-2009, 01:32 PM

I do not cook at home alone like I do when coupled, I do exercise my cooking bone when I visit friends.

Cooking for myself is not as much fun, I am all about feeding people. Not so much myself.

evolveme · 11-12-2009, 01:34 PM

I wish I could eat alone.

I hate the way they stare at you.

Expecting something.

TeaPartyTart · 11-12-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evolveme

I wish I could eat alone.

I hate the way they stare at you.

Expecting something.

That's the server waiting for you to pay the check.

Waldo · 11-12-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arwen

When you cook for yourself, set the table too. Have a little glass of wine (if you drink). Pour your drink into a glass. Do NOT stand up and eat over the sink.

oh now see... that's reserved for bachelors who try to avoid doing dishes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by evolveme

I wish I could eat alone.

I hate the way they stare at you.

Expecting something.

They are just checking out your hotness e.

evolveme · 11-12-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldo

They are just checking out your hotness e.

Maybe The Bent because he needs to wear his glasses and doesn't, but I seriously doubt that The Child and The Animals care too much about my hot factor.

But thank you, Waldo. I luv you too.

Just_G · 11-12-2009, 02:46 PM

Singular, yes. Sensational, eh, not so much.

I am so used to eating alone, but I dont' really mind it at all. Heck, even when I am coupled, it is usually a LDR and I eat alone most nights any way.

My favorite thing to do is argue with myself and fight over the check at the table when out in public. Of course I am usually seated in the bar area because it just works better for me to be close to the bartender. That is a whole other thread there.

FeminineAllure · 11-12-2009, 09:48 PM

I don't mind eating alone. I just do not like to take too much time preparing food for just myself.
I love cooking for other people and hosting dinner parties for friends.

atomiczombie · 11-12-2009, 10:05 PM

I missed the cooking gene. I don't cook at all. I can heat things, like in the micro or toaster oven, but I hate trying to cook. It feels weird and unnatural for me. Plenty of people have tried to teach me, but it just doesn't take. So, my bachelor life consists of things you buy that you can heat at home and eat.

Jet · 11-12-2009, 10:07 PM

I was exactly like you until I met an Executive Chef from North carolina. She taught be to cook over the phone and gave me delicious recipes as well as planned all my grocery shopping. Now i love to cook, even for myself.

Leigh · 11-12-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I missed the cooking gene. I don't cook at all. I can heat things, like in the micro or toaster oven, but I hate trying to cook. It feels weird and unnatural for me. Plenty of people have tried to teach me, but it just doesn't take. So, my bachelor life consists of things you buy that you can heat at home and eat.

I missed the cooking gene too. I can microwave, I can open a can and I can make the basics (like mac 'n cheese) but don't ask Me to cook cuz its not a forte of Mine. I would maybe in the future like to get into it more, which would probably make My poor mom happy (but she is the cook)

11-12-2009, 02:20 AM	#1
Waldo Member How Do You Identify?: Special Snowflake Preferred Pronoun?: she/her Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Wine Country, Oregon Posts: 470 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 22 Thanked 795 Times in 238 Posts Rep Power: 1006287	Waldo's Guide to Being a Singular Sensation You've got two options when you're single: 1. Sullen and Single 2. Singular Sensation I'm working on #2 (shut it 'Dusa) and finding new and interesting ways to enjoy the single life. Lesson number one: How To Dine Solo In Public I actually honed this skill years ago when I began traveling for work. Now I can walk into any restaurant in any city in the world and proudly request a table for one with my head held high and a smile on my face. It's easiest to accomplish this daunting task by bringing a magazine, a book or a journal. Bringing a laptop to "work" only makes you look like you're a workaholic (not that I would know ANYTHING about that!). This allows you to focus your attention on something other than "what are they thinking about me?" Eventually you may find yourself able to just bring the book or journal and leave it closed on the table. It's kind of like a security blanket. It's just nice to have there. The bonus here is that you can start to pay attention to the people around you. My favorite part of this phase it that you pick up on conversations. I happen to make up entire histories for couples around me. Sometimes I blog about those stories. If I did this more regularly I'm certain I could write a best seller! After this stage you might be able to move into the advanced stage where you seek out restaurants with "community tables" or dining bars where you can dine with others and open up opportunities to meet new people. Do not attempt this advanced maneuver if you are prone chewing with your mouth open or spitting when you talk. It's poor form and will only cause people to stare and whisper. Whether you're hoping they are fleeting or not, enjoy your single days while you've got them.

11-12-2009, 04:41 AM	#3
Paphigleo Member How Do You Identify?: da Bear Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: open to new possibilities Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: home at last, PDX Posts: 161 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 144 Thanked 164 Times in 40 Posts Rep Power: 3428211	Single workaholic here. I also don't mind dining alone. I don't get much opportunity though. When I'm not working I'm either home alone or with friends. __________________ Nick I am the stone that the builder refused I can't do this all on my own... I'm no Superman. *My armor, battered but strong. My sword, pitted but razor sharp. My body is bloodied but doesn't know to quit. I am battle-tested and proven, I shall live to fight another day.* https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...91850051_n.jpg

11-12-2009, 09:03 AM	#4
Arwen Joy Seeker How Do You Identify?: Smartly-Flavored Preferred Pronoun?: Goddess Relationship Status: Mrs. Syzygy 1/9/14 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Joyville, NM (aka Land of Enchantment) Posts: 10,140 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,636 Thanked 28,131 Times in 6,414 Posts Rep Power: 21474861	Used to hate eating alone. Then I realized why. I was very poor company. lol I've corrected that. I do love meeting friends for dinner, but it's also fun to just go by myself and relax. I generally do have a book with me though. Not to hide! I just read all the darn time if I'm not writing (or playing on the computer-heh). Great thread, Waldo. I would also suggest Meetup.com as a way to meet others who have similar interests. When I lived in Denver, I was very fond of the Tarot Meetup group. The one here has fizzled but I am toying with the idea of launching some in January. I also have taken up hooping although I haven't had any time for that in a while Besides...if you eat alone you can pick the place and not worry that someone doesn't like something! __________________ I wrote a book, y'all! *FREE* Tarotscopes Seek Joy, y'all. Eschew hate. 9Words: A Poetry Challenge \| Do you like me?

11-12-2009, 09:14 AM	#5
Mindy Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: her/she Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 194 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 49 Thanked 174 Times in 57 Posts Rep Power: 13973	I have absolutely no problem going out alone to a restaurant and I don't think I've ever really taken a book with me or anything like that. In my 20's there was a restaurant I worked at and I'd go in there for cheap eats when I was off work sometimes and since I worked there, I was pretty comfortable going in alone to eat, and that is how I got over the insecure feeling you sometimes get when going out alone to dine. __________________ You must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completion of joy. ~John Calvin~

11-12-2009, 11:24 AM	#9
Arwen Joy Seeker How Do You Identify?: Smartly-Flavored Preferred Pronoun?: Goddess Relationship Status: Mrs. Syzygy 1/9/14 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Joyville, NM (aka Land of Enchantment) Posts: 10,140 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,636 Thanked 28,131 Times in 6,414 Posts Rep Power: 21474861	PnL, you have hit on one of my favorite subjects. When you cook for yourself, set the table too. Have a little glass of wine (if you drink). Pour your drink into a glass. Do NOT stand up and eat over the sink. I love to cook and have a ton of things that can be modified to one person. Or you can make a large meal and freeze it up for later. We have a cooking thread in the Hobbies forum.. __________________ I wrote a book, y'all! *FREE* Tarotscopes Seek Joy, y'all. Eschew hate. 9Words: A Poetry Challenge \| Do you like me?

11-12-2009, 04:01 AM	#2
atomiczombie Member How Do You Identify?: Femmesensual Transguy Preferred Pronoun?: He, Him, His Relationship Status: Dating Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Rio Vista, CA Posts: 1,225 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,949 Thanked 3,221 Times in 757 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	raises his hand Single here. I don't mind dining alone if I am at an event by myself. For example, I went to IMsL in 07 by myself, basically knowing no one. I instantly met people and made friends, only had to eat one meal alone. Didn't bother me though.

11-12-2009, 09:37 AM	#6
TeaPartyTart Junior Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: I think "cupcake" has a nice ring to it Relationship Status: shackin' up Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 65 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13 Thanked 40 Times in 19 Posts Rep Power: 184	While you know I'm attached at the hip with my better half, I enjoy dining alone. Work travel forced me to do it and I actually enjoy sitting and people watching or sitting at a bar and enjoying lunch, a beer, etc. When I drop the boys off at the groomers I like to hit my fav wine bar and hang out and enjoy a great wine or whiskey (the damn Scot's did that to me). Dining alone reminds me to slow down and take stock in the great joys of my life and that I'm damn good company:-)

11-12-2009, 10:35 AM	#7
PearlsNLace Member How Do You Identify?: queer Preferred Pronoun?: They/Them & her/she Relationship Status: Lucky, very lucky Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portlandia, Oregon Posts: 427 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 875 Thanked 1,286 Times in 315 Posts Rep Power: 6505516	I tend to be a person who worries way to much about what other people are thinking, but that has never stopped me from dining out alone. I simply enjoy dining out more with others. I have enjoyed a very lovely meal with someone who was "spanging" asking for change one evening outside a place I was about to go in to dine alone. What I do not care for is cooking at home, alone. I am the queen of tupperware and freezing stuff. However, I dont really enjoy even the eating part, alone. I would love to hear some ways to do so more sensationaly. A Pearl, in lace.

11-12-2009, 01:20 PM	#10
Gemme Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Queer Stone Femme Girl of the Unicorn Variety Preferred Pronoun?: She, as in 'She's a GEM' Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The roads are narrow here Posts: 36,587 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 182,179 Thanked 108,771 Times in 25,659 Posts Rep Power: 21474887	Exactly, Arwen! You're special, so act like it. Romance yourself. I always feel better about myself when I treat myself like I treat others, no matter my relationship status. I would, however, like to point out that one does not have to be singular to be sensational. Me, myself and I all agree! __________________ Gemme's Journal I'm misunderestimated.

11-12-2009, 01:32 PM	#11
Paphigleo Member How Do You Identify?: da Bear Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: open to new possibilities Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: home at last, PDX Posts: 161 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 144 Thanked 164 Times in 40 Posts Rep Power: 3428211	I do not cook at home alone like I do when coupled, I do exercise my cooking bone when I visit friends. Cooking for myself is not as much fun, I am all about feeding people. Not so much myself. __________________ Nick I am the stone that the builder refused I can't do this all on my own... I'm no Superman. *My armor, battered but strong. My sword, pitted but razor sharp. My body is bloodied but doesn't know to quit. I am battle-tested and proven, I shall live to fight another day.* https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...91850051_n.jpg

11-12-2009, 01:34 PM	#12
evolveme Member How Do You Identify?: honeysuckle venom Preferred Pronoun?: a pistol and a sugar cane Relationship Status: I promise to aid and abet Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: in between poems where ceilings are floors and joe ghost floats achromatic toward day Posts: 514 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 229 Thanked 737 Times in 228 Posts Rep Power: 288948	I wish I could eat alone. I hate the way they stare at you. Expecting something. __________________ Class, race, sexuality, gender and all other categories by which we categorize and dismiss each other need to be excavated from the inside. - Dorothy Allison

11-12-2009, 02:46 PM	#16
Just_G Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Butch, Switch, Comedian...G...whichever. Preferred Pronoun?: He....with an e! Relationship Status: I'll take kinky & twisted for $200, Alex!! Tournaments Won: 1 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: in the middle Posts: 2,281 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 874 Thanked 6,165 Times in 1,450 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Singular, yes. Sensational, eh, not so much. I am so used to eating alone, but I dont' really mind it at all. Heck, even when I am coupled, it is usually a LDR and I eat alone most nights any way. My favorite thing to do is argue with myself and fight over the check at the table when out in public. Of course I am usually seated in the bar area because it just works better for me to be close to the bartender. That is a whole other thread there.

11-12-2009, 09:48 PM	#17
FeminineAllure Member How Do You Identify?: Female Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: My rainbow is way overdue Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,145 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,659 Thanked 2,026 Times in 555 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	I don't mind eating alone. I just do not like to take too much time preparing food for just myself. I love cooking for other people and hosting dinner parties for friends. __________________ Remember anyone can love you when the sun is shining...In the storm is where you learn who truly cares for you

11-12-2009, 10:05 PM	#18
atomiczombie Member How Do You Identify?: Femmesensual Transguy Preferred Pronoun?: He, Him, His Relationship Status: Dating Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Rio Vista, CA Posts: 1,225 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,949 Thanked 3,221 Times in 757 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	I missed the cooking gene. I don't cook at all. I can heat things, like in the micro or toaster oven, but I hate trying to cook. It feels weird and unnatural for me. Plenty of people have tried to teach me, but it just doesn't take. So, my bachelor life consists of things you buy that you can heat at home and eat.

11-12-2009, 10:07 PM	#19
Jet Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: .. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: .. Posts: 3,471 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 292 Thanked 2,646 Times in 1,293 Posts Rep Power: 0	I was exactly like you until I met an Executive Chef from North carolina. She taught be to cook over the phone and gave me delicious recipes as well as planned all my grocery shopping. Now i love to cook, even for myself.