Should you feel guilty taking up space on an outdoor patio brewery hot spot as a solo diner? You are sitting at a booth in the corner. It is designed to seat at least 4 comfortably. It can seat 6 if you like the people you are with. You are a solo diner and the patio space is getting crowded. Should you move to a solo seating bench? Or should you not worry about taking up the extra seating? After all, it’s open seating. No one said other people couldn’t sit here by me, but we know they wont. At least not in a small town. In big cities like New York, Seattle, and San Francisco, people would gladly crowd in next to you. They enjoy their beverages and carry on their conversations. There is not much acknowledgment that you are even there. But not in a small town. Everyone keeps to their own little groups, and their own little conversations. Until of course, the alcohol kicks in and the inhibitions fade. Then it’s a free for all….let the conversations start.
Today, nevertheless, I prefer to sit in my little corner. I have my little glass of wine. I am typing away and deep in thought, taking up space. Oh, someone just asked to take the only chair at my corner booth. I said go ahead. It must be obvious no one is joining me.
It’s definitely spring. Flowers are blooming. It’s t-shirt and shorts weather. There is more sunshine than you can imagine in this little desert town. The picture perfect Sunday afternoon for a solo diner on the patio!
Conversations with Carli 