The reasons behind this new phenomenon are anything but the stigma-inducing assumptions many of us might make. As in, 'Ag, shame,' check out that person, all alone at their table." Most consumers, these USA surveys surprisingly find, choose to dine alone. Americans today eat nearly half their meals alone. Why? It's quicker, exactly to their taste, convenient, nutritious – and perhaps most importantly; fits their schedules. The digital revolution and our fast-paced modern lifestyle have put paid to planning schedules around mealtimes. Schedules differ, making solo meals even under the same roof the new norm. It would be fascinating to see how a non-First-World country like South Africa would show up in such surveys. My instinctive guess, based on our unique demographics, would be that most adults eat one in three meals per day alone. There's also the cultural phenomenon were families, even extended ones, eat together. It's where we share the day's experiences and bond. In North America there's a billion-dollar fast (and nutritious/healthy) food market that's sprung up in response to solo foraging and dining. All around the culture of one. Even restaurants are adjusting their seating and waiter-training accordingly. – Chris Bateman

The pleasures of eating alone

By Ellen Byron

(The Wall Street Journal) – Americans now eat nearly half of their meals alone – and they like it.

___STEADY_PAYWALL___