The downside of being a bit of a loner

I like to eat. That's no secret. Back home, cooking incredible food is a daily experience.  I mean, everyone in my family (mostly) has great taste in food, and even the ones who prefer to not eat gourmet or even excellent food all the time know how to recognize great food when it's put in front of them. I am homesick, not just for my family, but for the food that my family and I eat together. For some reason, being in college has made eating far less enjoyable. I definitely eat a great meal once a week, but come on... ONCE A WEEK? Unfortunately my roommate doesn't have as high of standards for food as I do, and that's okay, I have taken it upon myself to convert her to a foodie... It's not going to well... but that isn't the problem. The problem is that I am eating crappy foods or not eating at all because of lack of time, lack of ingredients, and lack of friends. I know that I can fix all of this.... the problem? I don't want to eat alone at a restaurant. Part of the joy of going to eat at a great restaurant, casual or fancy, is the atmosphere. It's about splitting dishes, comparing tastes, people watching, and many more reasons. I am a very independent person, but the one thing I haven't grasped is eating alone. I feel extremely vulnerable. So my challenge to myself this weekend is to go to an restaurant that I have been dying to try, alone. Then I will come back and write about my meal. It will be scary, but frankly I am tired of wallowing about so many things, and this is something I can change. I am dying to have a good meal and I shouldn't have to depend on anyone to do so. So here I go..... will report back soon.  Why should I deny myself a great meal because no one else wants to join me? Sweet dreams.