One major "homework assignment" I give to my San Diego dating clients is to go out and eat alone at a San Diego restaurant. The psychological reasoning is that to be a successful dater, it helps to be confident in any environment. Eating alone has a connotation of being a sort of faux pas in our culture. There is a common social anxiety associated with eating alone that affects more people than you would imagine.
There's also a hidden agenda behind this assignment. While dining or drinking alone, you potentially open yourself to the opportunity of conversations with new people. Whether you are striking a rapport with your waitress or the person sitting next to you, it provides a great opportunity for practicing small talk that isn't available when you are sitting at a table and engaged exclusively. By practicing the power of eye contact, you may find yourself in an unexpected, enlightening conversation.
For those that do have a fear of dining alone, I offer a few San Diego spots to ease yourself into the "table for one" experience.
Coffee Shops: Coffee shops are a great place to start being comfortable being alone in a dining establishment. I recommend places like Zanzibar Cafe, Pannikin, or Claire de Lune.
Sidewalk Restaurants: People watching is a great distraction while dining alone. I would recommend checking out India Street in Little Italy, Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla Shores, or Camino Del Mar in Del Mar.
Happy Dating,
San Diego Dating Guru
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