Dinner for One

Tonight I ate dinner by myself.  No big deal, right? Well, usually, my dinner alone consists of a well-cooked frozen meal (read: Lean Cuisine or something of the like), or maybe leftovers, and some fresh fruits, cheese, and maybe veggies.  Tonight was different.  Tonight was the first night I've ever eaten by myself in a non-fast-food restaurant.  I went to Houlihan's, ordered a drink and an appetizer (er, well, a small plate - spicy chicken and avocado egg rolls - yum!), and then I followed it with dessert and a cup of decaf coffee.  How fun to dine by yourself!  I mean, one would think that maybe you'd feel awkward or lonely or like a loser, but I was proud of myself.  I had some witty banter with the server (she was great), and I got to sit in the front row for a very interesting performance of "Random Guy in Polo Shirt and Young Girl Who Looks Maybe 19 on a First Date."  It was hilarious!


So guys, for any of you out there reading, let me tell you how not to start your first dinner with a new love interest: talking about how beer gives you heartburn (and then ordering one anyway).  My second pointer: don't digress from burning beer to some terrible story about food poisoning.  After that, I would avoid mentioning how the menu would be much better if it had pictures.  (Not that menus with pictures are bad... they're just reminiscent of, oh, I don't know, Big Boy, or maybe Denny's.)  Once you've decided on a meal choice, if your date hasn't yet, I'd recommend to try and help her decide, or possibly take this opportunity to find out about her favorite foods, tastes, etc.  I would not recommend telling the server that you're waiting on her (your date) to make up her mind.  I mean, honestly, it's not like you were Mr. Lickety Split Decision-Maker... okay, so now you've gotten the niceties out of the way - drinks ordered, food ordered - and you're thinking of striking up a more in-depth conversation... this is good!  Maybe you talk about the people who introduced you, or maybe you discuss friends, school, family, sports, take your pick... I'd stay away from asking if you're in a "dying" establishment, especially if she's the one who recommended it as a meeting place. Another item to avoid: asparagus.  That's not to say that I don't like asparagus, I just don't think its status in the Michigan agricultural economy should be the focal point of your conversation (yes, apparently, MI is one of the largest producers of the green stalky vegetable... I never knew!).


Right, at about that point, I think I started paying more attention to my dessert and to Justin Verlander (Go Tigers!) pitching to some guy on the Angels.


Point being, I'm very glad that I wasn't a part of the awkward production of "Random...First Date" and I really enjoyed taking this one in on my own.  Not that I don't like company, but some days you gotta be Miss Independent, you know?  :)  Thanks for reading!