Since you and lukev shared similar experiences and are currently modded highly, I want to say I am the opposite of you and more like Jeff, but like he said, maybe we're a rare breed among programmers.
People make me feel empowered. I enjoy the watercooler talk, I feel depressed when I lunch alone (really, really down. For days). I like to talk, I like to make people laugh.
I think the lesson is to know who you are. Jeff and me like social, you and lukev like more lonely. Don't rely on blog posts telling what's better, find what works for you and go for it.
The Myers-Briggs indication that Extraverts gain/draw energy from socializing, and Interverts find socialization to be an drain on their own energy, could be readily applied here.
Eat at the bar if you can. Sometimes its actually an advantage because you can get a single seat at the bar even when all the tables are filled. I do agree with your sentiment though.
For me eating alone is a special privilege of being an adult that I enjoy sometimes and has its benefits. Regular eating alone might actually make me a healthier eater in the long run.
I recommend both eating alone and also eating with company of course but pls. don't pity yourself. If you do then it will be easy for others to think there's something to pity about you.
Probably you're the only one at the restaurant who cares that you're eating alone. Certainly your dinner alone is well below Yahweh's interest threshold.
So, relax, slow down, and enjoy your meal. Because you're not busy talking, you can appreciate your food better.
People make me feel empowered. I enjoy the watercooler talk, I feel depressed when I lunch alone (really, really down. For days). I like to talk, I like to make people laugh.
I think the lesson is to know who you are. Jeff and me like social, you and lukev like more lonely. Don't rely on blog posts telling what's better, find what works for you and go for it.