I was solo exploring in Hastings just the weekend gone and had the exact same feeling!! Sat with my glass of wine and tried to lean into it until I felt comfortable 😅 love this post I hope it'll start feeling more socially acceptable the more we all do it!
Haha! Exactly, getting comfortable the uncomfortable sure takes time doesn't it. But perhaps with most things, the more we do it, the easier it gets. So glad you enjoyed reading this :)
Love this Han! I remember on a solo trip to Paris reading my book and ordering a cheese soufflé (obviously). My only problem with it is there’s no conversation to slow down me gobbling up the food quickly !! I would have to mentally talk myself into waiting a bit longer for the next bite 😂
I love this -- such a good lesson on learning to be more comfortable with your own company! I used to hate doing things by myself (even though I liked the peace of it) but now I'm so much better. I haven't yet done a solo trip or solo evening meal but I'm working my way up to it!
I've loved solo dining for years, possibly because I once moved abroad alone and have traveled alone. But now you say it, when I show up at our local Korean (my usual solo spot with my Kindle) I always say 'table just for one' please. Why do I do that?
hell yeah. i think some of my most formative moments as a writer came out of long meals eaten alone, where i'd either read or drink wine and scribble furious notes about everything else going on. it's so liberating!
I was solo exploring in Hastings just the weekend gone and had the exact same feeling!! Sat with my glass of wine and tried to lean into it until I felt comfortable 😅 love this post I hope it'll start feeling more socially acceptable the more we all do it!
Haha! Exactly, getting comfortable the uncomfortable sure takes time doesn't it. But perhaps with most things, the more we do it, the easier it gets. So glad you enjoyed reading this :)
Love this Han! I remember on a solo trip to Paris reading my book and ordering a cheese soufflé (obviously). My only problem with it is there’s no conversation to slow down me gobbling up the food quickly !! I would have to mentally talk myself into waiting a bit longer for the next bite 😂
Haha so true! Someone once recommended I count my chews but blimey, talk about killjoy !
Love this🫶🏽
Thank you!
this is so lovely Hannah!
Thank you Alfie!
I love this -- such a good lesson on learning to be more comfortable with your own company! I used to hate doing things by myself (even though I liked the peace of it) but now I'm so much better. I haven't yet done a solo trip or solo evening meal but I'm working my way up to it!
I love that! Like with most things, the more we do something, (hopefully) the easier it becomes..
I've loved solo dining for years, possibly because I once moved abroad alone and have traveled alone. But now you say it, when I show up at our local Korean (my usual solo spot with my Kindle) I always say 'table just for one' please. Why do I do that?
Also: where did you eat in Rye?
Yes I’ve always found it easier abroad actually! Maybe because of the comfort in knowing we won’t know anyone?
Would really recommend The Union in Rye - beautiful seasonal food and small plates.
Knoops hot choc was also the best hot choc I’ve ever had (their first ever store is in Rye!)
I'm a local, I've been to many a meal at The Union and even more at The Plough, their country pub - I was just curious where you went!
And it could be also that you're clearly an outsider, therefore you're outside your usual pattern of behaviour?
Ah what a gorgeous place to live!
I actually enjoyed being the outsider haha..
I used to eat dinner on my own when away doing focus groups and I loved it. You just have to get over the initial discomfort and slight weirdness.
hell yeah. i think some of my most formative moments as a writer came out of long meals eaten alone, where i'd either read or drink wine and scribble furious notes about everything else going on. it's so liberating!
You're so right! Ironically, the best writing often comes out of not intending to write anything at all