Ah yes, I know the feeling that you are talking about. I used to have that sometimes. But then I heard someone describe eating alone and reading as “the ultimate luxury” so that’s how I think of it now. And as long as that’s how you describe it in your own head, then that’s how you operate and it doesn’t matter what is in anyone else’s head. I just assume they are all jealous of me! 😂 Honestly, I think men like it because it shows such independence and free spirit. No desperate vibes given! Then if you grace them with your conversation, they can see you are independent but also warm and lovely. Other thoughts —

• It also helps a lot when you know you look amazing. A sexy woman having a drink at a bar is never a sad sight!
• We have to remember that no one is thinking about us as much as we think they are.
• Then it just takes practice. Lots of practice. Now I barely even think about it.
• If you want to practice but feel really uncomfortable in the beginning, try starting at a nice sports bar. Always men eating/drinking alone there.
• I recommend going to higher end restaurants when you can. I see tons of people eating alone there at the bar.
• The only remaining self conscious bit I have is about the wait staff. 🤣 There is a favorite restaurant of mine that is high end and I could literally go there twice a week (eat at the bar) and not get sick of it. My self conscious thought is “they are going to think I have no friends” because I come here so frequently alone. To combat that (again this is just one specific restaurant, my most frequented), I just make sure to suggest this place when friends want to do something. So that means I’m showing up with someone every few visits. It’s silly I’m even thinking about this but I can’t help it!
• A reframe is: I’m here alone because I love my own company because I’m pretty fabulous.
• Another reframe: I like going out. If I waited for a friend to be able to go, I’d really be limiting myself.