Did you know that psychological experts have said that being able to go to a movie alone is an indicator of extreme confidence? I feel like dining alone follows this same thread.
I know I'm not the first traveler to experience the novelty of dining à l'une. But I feel confident that many business travelers have had these thoughts. Sure, I could go grab a sandwich and eat in my hotel, but that's a lonely prospect as well. Instead, I go through the inner conflict of wanting to get out and enjoy a delicious restaurant while wondering if everyone in the restaurant is looking at me thinking, "Oh that poor, sad, lonely woman eating all by herself." That may be a bit dramatic, but I can own the fact that I am a bit neurotic (and maybe a teensy bit dramatic too).
A little liquid courage AKA The Summer Peach Mojito from Food Dance in Kalamazoo, Michigan...maybe if I am a little buzzed, no one will notice that I am dining all by my lonesome