"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 8/17/2014 12:54 AM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 8/16/2014 1:32 PM, Tara wrote:
>>>> I love having time to myself. I like to take myself out to lunch when
>>>> I
>>>> am shopping. I bring a book and enjoy some peace.
>>>>
>>>> Tara
>>>>
>>> Same here, Tara. I'd take a book and have a nice quiet lunch where I
>>> didn't have to fill the void with pointless chatter or shop talk with
>>> co-workers. Time to recharge my batteries. I really don't know
>>> why there is a stigma attached to eating alone. It's not something
>>> shameful, as the topic of the post suggests.
>>>
>>> Jill
>>
>> I am just the opposite. If there were people around to talk to, I'd
>> talk to them and not read the book. Reading is only something I do to
>> fill time. Or if I have a need to read the specific material. I would
>> never read a book at a restaurant though. I find that to be rude. I
>> would do it at a coffee shop though. Lots of people do that.
>
> Why is my sitting by myself reading a book in a restaurant rude? I don't
> ignore the server when they come by to see what I want or ask if I'd like
> my coffee refilled. I'd rather read than sit and stare off into space or
> try to strike up conversations with strangers at the next table. I'm
> there to eat, not to socialize.

As you said, you are there to eat. I see people who sit at a table for
hours, reading. They're not there to eat.