On 7/19/2014 11:56 AM, Janet Wilder wrote:
> On 7/18/2014 3:43 PM, jmcquown wrote:
>>>
>> As a matter of fact, I did. I've eaten alone in restaurants many times;
>> it's nothing new nor is there anything odd about it.
>>
>> I remember one particular time around 1990 I went out on my lunch break
>> to a little bistro. There was a couple in line ahead of me. The
>> hostess tried to group me with them. Table for three? They looked at
>> each other, then at me. We sort of chuckled and shook our heads. So
>> then it was just me. She assumed someone was joining me. When I said
>> no she was incredulous. ONE?! Yes, one! People do it all the time.
>> And yes, I had a book with me.
>>
>> Jill
>
> I traveled for business in the late 80's and got used to eating alone. I
> always had a book with me, the heck with good manners. The hardest part
> was trying to politely brush off all the "gentlemen" who wanted to join me.
>
Thread drift... I was on a business trip with two other (male)
co-workers in 1995 or so, attending classes the company paid for. They
paid for the flight and the accomodations at a really nice hotel. As we
were checking into our reserved rooms, the clerk handed both of the men
their room keys. Then he looked at me and asked, "How many keys?"

Can you say INSULTED?! I do not suffer fools. I said EXCUSE ME?! How
*dare* you? I demand to speak with the manager, NOW.

On other trips, I've had to brush off more than a few gentlemen who
assumed just because I was alone, I must want company. Sorry, dude, I
don't want to go out with you. I'm here on business, and it's not
*that* kind of business.

> I'm sure I didn't look like a hooker in my navy blue suits. :-)
>
Maybe a really high class hooker? :-D

Jill