Hilton Head restaurants, don’t sneer at women dining alone
In a recent “Dear Abby” column, the writer addressed the issue of a woman eating alone in a restaurant and how, on many occasions, the host would say in a demeaning manner: “Just one?”
As a widow approaching 80 years of age, I have had this same experience on our beautiful Hilton Head Island. Just because I have lost a spouse does not mean I do not like to occasionally have a meal I didn’t prepare, and at a good restaurant, not a fast-food shop. I always try to go early so I will not be taking up a table at prime-time dining. I have been sneered at and offered a place at the bar. Sorry, but I am of the generation who was taught a lady alone did not sit at the bar unless she wanted a certain kind of reputation. Old lessons of that sort can’t be unlearned easily.
Now, I can hear readers asking, “Why don’t you get a female friend to go with you?” and I often do. But sometimes I just want a solitary, really good dinner, or it is a spur-of-the-moment decision, too late to ask someone to join me. And, let’s face it, a lot of my friends are still couples.
So, a word to the wise among the local restaurant owners/managers: Remember that we do pass on information about how we are treated at a restaurant. And remember that women are often (usually) better tippers than men. Think about it.
Sunni Bond
Hilton Head Island
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This story was originally published January 22, 2018 at 2:48 PM with the headline "Hilton Head restaurants, don’t sneer at women dining alone."