- someone will show up after you've ordered and decide they want some company and attempt to buy you a drink or
- the waiter will come over and sit down, attempting to keep you company in their boredom.
In these cases, I find that simply placing your coat on the chair across from you is typically enough disincentive for most people. It says to the drink buyer - "uh oh, looks like she's with someone" and to the waiter "better not flirt with her, if she's meeting a guy and he's buying, he won't leave a tip."
If they come by halfway through dinner and look sad, asking if you've been stood up, just say no and look embarrassed. If they persist, take out your cell phone and make a call.
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The one good thing about being male in this scenario, is that no one ever tries to buy you drinks, and the wait staff are more than happy to leave you be, so long as you leave a decent tip - especially if you become a regular, and they know you like to dine alone.
ReplyDeleteIn over 25 years of dining alone, I do not recall anyone ever interrupting my dining experience for anything more than handing me the check or asking if I would like dessert. But I guess some things are different for guys than they are for women.