Humph. Interesting question, especially since that has never happened to me. If I had to a fast food establishment, which is something I rarely do, and it's full, I'll head somewhere else in a nearby vicinity. My fiancee and I used to go to a Harvey's at our Union Station and it was always full. We would go to the lobby and sit at all these seats, which was actually much better. I wouldn't be comfortable sitting with a total stranger, especially if they want to have a conversation at a time that I'm starving and probably want to be with my own thoughts.
I've had that happen and you wonder if it's a setup or some kind of divine protection with you not being out there by yourself, but either way it's always weird because you know that they have nothing to look at but you.
If I was on my own I would take the food to the car. When I was a driver for DHL I was so use to having my lunch everyday in the car. I am funny that I would never ask a stranger can I sit with them, especially if it was a table for only 2 people. Also, I would not like a stranger coming up to me if I was sitting at a table for 2 and asking can they join me. I think it is rude.
At a fast food restaurant? Absolutely not. I would just eat in my car. At a local cafe or something where there are long tables and they're frequently shared, then sure, I would find myself a place to sit.
I don't mind sitting and talking to strangers however, I prefer to eat somewhere else. I'd probably just take out the food and find a spot somewhere if thats how packed the restaurant.
I would stand around looking dumb until a table came open. On the other hand my daughter would sit anywhere inviting herself. If I see a place to crowded I will will go elsewhere depending how long I have to stand in line. If I got to antsy waiting I would go sit in my car.
I don't see myself asking to join someone unless I was attracted to them or I was there without my car. Even if I was without my car I would probably stall at the drink and napkin station for a few minutes. I just can't imagine myself asking anyone if I could sit with them, under normal circumstances. That scenario reminds me of elementary school. I would just go to my car and eat in the parkinglot.
I would go and ask them if they have any problem if I joined them. A lot of people don't realize that the place is full, that's the reason why sit like that in first place. I don't have a problem sitting and eating with strangers, I have made some good friends over a snack and cup of coffee.
I don't mind that situation. I'm used it throughout my adolescence ate together in the school cafeteria. No need to interact with the other person. You just have to be polite and ask permission. Such places are meant to be shared. If you prefer to avoid this, we will eat elsewhere. I think it all depends on the mood we have at the time, and there are empty sites. The experience of eating always be pleasant, even in public places.
Some people earlier in the thread mentioned that eating with a stranger was not a big deal in other countries. I wonder if low level agoraphobia is a cultural thing in the US?
I personally don't like it when someone that I don't know sits next to me while eating, since I can be a bit anti-social to strangers, lol, so I will just order the food as take out if I see the place packed already.
This has never been a problem for me. I did it a few times before, when I was in the Philippines and Singapore. It's just the norm there, especially at cafes and food courts. As long as you're not disturbing each other and getting on with eating then there's no problem. Although I do tend to choose which ones to ask as I want to be as careful as possible. You'll never know who's who now.
This has never happened to me. I am always with someone and hardly alone. The only time I ate alone was in college when friends were in class and I had to go to the dining hall alone. I hated it and it felt so awkward and unnatural to eat alone in public, but I love eating alone at home. I am a strange bird.
We had this experience in Germany a couple of years ago where a man came and sat at our table without even asking if it was OK. He sat next to my husband and took no notice of us except to check out our meals when they came out. I must say we were a little uncomfortable but I had read that it is a normal thing to do in Germany.
Well, to be honest I have never sat with a stranger in a fast food restaurant. Usually if I find the place is packed when I go in I will get the food to go then find somewhere else to eat it alone. The only time I will sit beside a stranger is on a bus, or waiting for a bus. The rest of the time I am really not comfortable with doing so to be honest with you.b
It definitely does happen and many times to me if I may say that. I eat fast anyway so I don't mind asking for the available space with a stranger than stand up and wait for a space on my own especially when I'm really super hungry. I don't plan on talking to them too, I just finish my meal fast and go.
I usually look around awkwardly then ill just take my food and find some where else. I don't like being with a big crowd like that, just make me feel uncomfortable.
I honestly try to avoid eating with strangers. Although I do stand around and awkwardly wait I tend to just leave the whole place in general if it is too crowded. I would usually go outside and sit on a bench somewhere or I would just go to the nearest fast food restaurant and I would eat there.
