Reflection 1: A Table for One—On Eating Alone

The Buddha is said to have once proclaimed: “There is no joy in eating alone.” Today, that seems to be a sentiment shared by many Americans. Though day-to-day life may increasingly compel us to eat alone, Americans generally disdain solo dining, especially in public. But why? Why does eating alone inspire so much dread in people? For this reflection you must have one meal in public—alone. As you do so, consider: Are you enjoying it? Are you uncomfortable? What, if anything, do you do in addition to eating? Finally, why are Americans are so averse to eating in public by themselves—and what circumstances makes eating alone acceptable in most people's eyes?

Note: The meal you have alone needn't be anything extravagant. The point is simply to eat by yourself, be it in a cafe, food court, restaurant, or cafeteria. Also, remember that dinner is often thought by Americans be the most challenging meal to have alone. For an additional challenge, try a solo meal without the use of any electronics (e.g. phone or tablet).

Include two of the following texts in your discussion:

• "The Essential Guide to Dinning Alone" (Thrillist)
• "What’s It Like to Eat Alone in a Restaurant Every Night for a Week?" (Buzzfeed)
• "Table for One: If You Can Get Past the Stigma, Dining Alone Can be a Joy" (National Review)
• "Table for One: The Controversial Art of Dining Solo" (Salon)
• "Why You Should Go Out to Eat Alone" (Huffington Post)
• "'Where Are Your friends?' I’m Not Lonely — I’m Eating Alone to Enjoy My Own Company" (Washington Post)

Mechanics:

• 1-1.5 pages in length
• MLA Style
• Include works cited page

Due: Thu 9.6