I have been trying to go on a diet  for awhile and invariable find myself in a situation where I get invited to go out for dinner. There is absolutely no way to win in the scenario where you don't want to eat but yet you are obligated to be social. I find that this is one of the most awkward circumstances to negotiate without looking like a complete jerk. Let me briefly explain.

First off for some unexplained reason people are offended if they don't eat together and even more bizarre at the same time.  Second your helping has to be comparable in size so if you just eat a small salad or soup and finish before everyone else it is considered rude. You will find yourself sitting and watching everyone eat trying not to talk so much why people get upset when you ask them a question when they have food in their mouth. Even if you order a regular sized portion and decide not to eat it then everybody really gets offended about how wasteful you are being. 

Second everyone assumes that you are cheap if you don't order a main course.  You get treated like you are trying to skip out on the bill or something. I once went out to dinner with a bunch of guys at a nice restaurant in New York City. I was not feeling that great after a few drinks so I ordered a lobster bisque soup. Everyone else ordered brontosaurus sized steaks. In the end they decided to split the bill and stiffed me for $80. The most expensive soup I ever had.

Third the waiter gets all offended because he thinks his tip will be smaller.  I barely can get the waiter to pay attention to me if I don't order a normal sized meal.

There is just no way to win if you are not hungry and you are expected to go out. My advise is to play sick and stay home.

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