Solo Sushi Dates

I've been single for a VERY long time. Over a decade. And honestly - I'm good with being single. 

For the last decade, I've treated myself to a solo sushi date at my favourite sushi place. I love walking in and being seated at a two top. All the couples around me, watch to see who I'm meeting. Then as the minutes tick by you can see some of them start to get anxious for me and you can almost see what they are thinking, "Oh my God! That girl's date is late!" And as the minutes pass you can see that turns into them thinking that I'm being stood up. All the time, I was purposefully taking myself out to eat. 

I take myself out to eat a lot. It's something that started when I lived in Ottawa and didn't know anyone. I was a shy child. It was even difficult for me to speak on the phone without my mom nearby or holding my hand. I often had my nose stuck in a book so that I didn't have to interact with the world. Moving to Ottawa without anyone was a huge thing for me. I was either at work, or home. I didn't have a social life. I was mostly content. Making friends was hard. Going out to eat alone, meant I didn't have to eat my own cooking every night of the month. It started with me being petrified and quickly I grew to love these solo meals. I would take a book and read. Then it graduated to pints at a local pub while reading and sitting at the bar. I became a regular feature at one of my neighbourhood pubs. I could always be found at the end of the bar, away from the door, sitting quietly reading. 

I didn't get to go out last night. It was too cold here and the weather was pretty nasty. I had run into town this afternoon to get dog food and a few odds and ends. And of course I ended up at Ta Ke Sushi. The dining room was cozy and warm. And in true Ashley fashion, I ordered a pot of tea to start and dove right into my book. 

I get asked a lot if it bothers me to eat alone. And I don't hesitate to say no. Afterall, I've had lots of practice. It's something I really encourage others to do - take yourself out to dinner alone. Be comfortable in your own company and silence. Sit with your feelings and think your thoughts, read a book, listen to a podcast. Do whatever you want. 

All in all, despite being a bitterly cold and blustery afternoon, it was an enjoyable one.