10 things you learn when you go out alone

Well, I had a lovely time on my evening out alone. First, hairdressers, followed by dinner at Foxlow then cocktails at The Gibson. I didn’t read much of my book (I blame the lighting) and it was pretty hard to keep off my phone/IPad but I did have a nice relaxing time. As well as learning a few things:

1. The rest of the world is really bloody noisy when you’re on your own in a restaurant. Made me realise what a braying bunch of noise mongerers me and my friends must be.
2. You notice the speed at which you drink (first one, fast) and feel much more self conscious asking for a second (and third) drink than you do when you’re with someone else.
3. Putting your phone down is way harder than you think. Which means it’s way harder to be completely out of communication with other people.
4. It didn’t feel uncomfortable AT ALL. The restaurant was busy and I felt a bit apologetic asking for a table for 1, but only a bit. It didn’t feel like anyone was bothered.
5. I really don’t know what wine to order. I only drink white and when the 3 or so I know I like were not on the menu I was a bit flumoxed. Turns out Resiling is nice.
6. I was having such a nice time I wished I’d invited some friends along to share it. Which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
7. You have to eat a whole desert. Which, ya know, isn’t a problem because chocolate with salted caramel is awesome. How did I not know this?
8. When there is sticky toffee pudding on the menu, most of the men in the restaurant will order it.
9. The bill is so much cheaper. Obviously.
10. It’s a bit like being invisible, in a good way. Not a superpower-good-way, but a quite nice people watching way.

It is Clerkenwell Design Week this week, so the whole area was buzzy, with people taking advantage of the shows, viewings and drinks parties.