lol, I have carried out this situation quite a few times. Interestingly, I do not particularly enjoy going out to eat. People take too long to pick something from the menu, the talk about food is shallow, I have to interact with a waiter that’s sick of their customers but acts insincerely nice because their pay depends on tips, there’s nothing to do besides looking at each other, talking about how “delicious the food is” despite it tasting generic and salty, and I have to be extra considerate of how I eat. The worst part is when someone in the group wants to review the menu out loud and take their sweet time choosing what to order, asking the waiter for “a few more minutes” to place their order 😩
I know I’m being ridiculous, but it’s my experience.
Funny, in all honesty, and I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but it sounds like you’re creating your own problem here. You’ve got a self fulfilling prophecy kind of thing happening where you’re already determined to have a terrible time going out to eat with friends/colleagues so you ensure that’s exactly what happens.
Try to be more easy going and patient, and try to make a connection with those around you. Going out to eat is rarely about the food, it’s about the company. And I agree, small talk is insufferable, but it helps establish a base from which you can launch into more significant or more intimate subjects of discussion. It’s a hoop to have to jump though in order to earn the rewards of camaraderie.
I appreciate the helpful advice. I have tried those already, and when I did, it felt like I was trying hard, so it still was not an enjoyable experience. I think it’s just not my thing. Some people don’t like eating out just like others don’t like going to ice cream palors, coffee shops, or bars.
But, I still go sometimes because I know people I care about like it, and I appreciate the encouragement to continue trying and the considerate advice 🙂
lol, I have carried out this situation quite a few times. Interestingly, I do not particularly enjoy going out to eat. People take too long to pick something from the menu, the talk about food is shallow, I have to interact with a waiter that’s sick of their customers but acts insincerely nice because their pay depends on tips, there’s nothing to do besides looking at each other, talking about how “delicious the food is” despite it tasting generic and salty, and I have to be extra considerate of how I eat. The worst part is when someone in the group wants to review the menu out loud and take their sweet time choosing what to order, asking the waiter for “a few more minutes” to place their order 😩
I know I’m being ridiculous, but it’s my experience.
Funny, in all honesty, and I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but it sounds like you’re creating your own problem here. You’ve got a self fulfilling prophecy kind of thing happening where you’re already determined to have a terrible time going out to eat with friends/colleagues so you ensure that’s exactly what happens.
Try to be more easy going and patient, and try to make a connection with those around you. Going out to eat is rarely about the food, it’s about the company. And I agree, small talk is insufferable, but it helps establish a base from which you can launch into more significant or more intimate subjects of discussion. It’s a hoop to have to jump though in order to earn the rewards of camaraderie.
Good luck my anonymous friend – you can do it!
I appreciate the helpful advice. I have tried those already, and when I did, it felt like I was trying hard, so it still was not an enjoyable experience. I think it’s just not my thing. Some people don’t like eating out just like others don’t like going to ice cream palors, coffee shops, or bars.
But, I still go sometimes because I know people I care about like it, and I appreciate the encouragement to continue trying and the considerate advice 🙂