This week’s installment of Ro&Co features Samira’s guide to making the most of that sacred weekend morning meal:
So you’ve finally worked up the courage to do it alone. Brunch, that is. The one thing where you just HAVE to go with friends and catch up on all the wild (or tame) things you’ve done over the weekend, the one meal it’s actually socially acceptable to be incredibly loud and obnoxious. Switch gears for a second, though. Remember, this is something you decided to do alone this time. You made a reservation on OpenTable, and booked a table for one. Or your friend cancelled on you 12 hours in advance, but that’s fine. Who cares? Not you! You are a BAMF.
Anyways, it’s Sunday and you’re getting ready to go to your brunch for one. There are a million things you could be doing instead, like sleeping in or doing things where you actually look like you have friends, but you’re doing this instead.
Tip #1: Grab a print(ed material such as but not limited to a book or magazine)
You don’t want to be the sad person who’s only ever on their phone. You’re brunching alone, you’re sad enough as it is. So bring something to take your mind off the fact that no one is staring at you or judging you. Bring a fiction book, a couple of magazines, maybe a newspaper with the crossword not yet done. Hey, if you’re feeling ballsy, bring a self-help book or Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
Tip #2: Eat for two
The best part about having a meal buddy is that you usually order two different things. My strategy for brunching with a friend is to order one sweet and one savory thing and share. When you’re eating alone, you can’t exactly share with someone, unless the person at the table next to you is particularly friendly. You can get away with ordering a smaller dish as well as a main brunch dish, but if you’re not really feeling the whole “more is more” thing, you can always ask to see if the restaurant does half portions, or you can take a look at the pastry menu to placate your sweet tooth. Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself because you can’t steal a bite from you brunch buddy.
Tip #3: Sometimes, you just have to avoid “the corner”
If there’s a corner of the restaurant that is particularly boisterous, you might wanna attempt to seat yourself further away from that section. I personally prefer sitting at the bar (if available) or in an area that is quieter where I can actually enjoy being alone. I also just hate to be reminded that other people have better persuasive techniques because obviously they were able to get their friends to come while I am all by my lonesome.
Tip #4: What next?
You’ve survived the brunch and are waiting for the hints that you’ve overstayed your single welcome. These can come in many forms. The one that usually tends to do the trick is being brought the cheque and being told to “have a great day” when the restaurant is still relatively empty. At this point, if you’re ready to face the world again, you should pay, get up, and leave. Proceed to exploring the area you’re in. Walk around, try and find something that looks fun, follow interesting-looking people, and explore. You might come upon a cool coffee shop or a bookstore.
At the end of the day, you’ll feel more refreshed and relaxed than you would have had you not given yourself this treat of a meal. It’ll feel awkward at first, but eventually you too will see the appeal of brunching alone.