soloact

After my husband died I missed his touch only. People tend to hug new widows and I hated that. It was a relief when I was beyond the "do you need a hug" stage. I don't like people touching me for no reason. Now I don't even like cyber hugs! I had a few gift certificates for massage over the years but never used them. My husband enjoyed massage and went frequently. I guess we're all different.

We are dispatched into a different world it seems. I agree that service is service. There are restaurants that treat solos very well. It takes a while to locate them. Can be discouraging. This is a good discussion. I just realized that the restaurants I recommend to people are the ones that treated me well. The dining experience is so much more than just the meal.

If a server ignores a table for fear that the tap/tip will not be worthwhile it's time for a manager or owner to step up and take care of the customer. No excuse to ignore a paying customer if repeat business and positive word of mouth is desired. In the one situation I referenced it was just pizza. The place only served pies and soft drinks. A pie is a pie. No difference in price. I was looking at the server, making eye contact and smiling. She said several times that she would be right with me. Didn't happen except for the soft drink. Several parties came in after I did and were served, leftovers boxed while I was waiting for service. On a few occasions a hostess told me I had to sit at the bar if I was alone. I courteously declined and left.

Great post, Mike. I agree with you. He definitely suffers SD syndrome.

Sorry that happened to you. I don't think it's your imagination. It's happened to me a few times. Usually the courses are served too fast. I'm not into finishing my dining experience in twenty minutes. I have experienced the furniture treatment too. I remember one evening in Olive Garden. I was at a two top along side the wall. I call that the widow's table. Server ignored me. I actually did have to wave my hand to try to get service. Discouraging. Never returned. On another occasion I was at a pizza place. People who came in after I did were served, finished the meal and the server was boxing the leftovers. I had a can of soda. Period. I left. Never returned. Pizza should be easy! There is one place I know of that is very hospitable to solo diners. The fare is Chinese so it's not my regular deal but I do get there every 4-6 weeks just because they are so nice! There must be a good business opportunity for restaurants who treat solo diners like paying customers.

Justin makes an excellent suggestion to use reward credit cards for regular spend. Card issuers are courting us with points, cash back and sign up bonuses. Most card issuers will do a product change if your current card is not the best reward structure for your spend. I did this earlier this year. The only issuer requiring me to do a new application for a second revolver was American Express. The new card gives 6% cash back for groceries, 3% gas/department stores and 1% regular spend. One percent for non-category spend is tiny. Many better cash back cards are available. Citi Double Cash comes to mind.

Beau Biden died May 30, 2015. His family is not "over it" yet. Major Biden's military honors are known. The Vice President did not reveal any secrets or dishonor his son in the Colbert interview. Google is your friend. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beau_Biden

The Vice President is a grieving father. It's just that simple.

An Ultra DGI was on Anderson Cooper this evening. The topic of Vice President Biden's late night interview was discussed. The horrible woman insisted that the Vice President was on the Colbert show for political expediency. Amazingly cruel person!

Good thoughts your way today. 1979 was a very good year for weddings uniting best friends

https://www.fidelity.com/insights/retirement/costly-social-security-mistakes From Fidelity's site

My heart aches for the Vice President and his family. This new loss is almost unimaginable. His compassion for those left behind is enormous. Like MrsTim85, I often viewed the video of him speaking to the Gold Star families. MrsTim85, thank you for posting the link. This is another link to the Vice President's talk with the families that day. His remarks are uncut. He begins at 8:30 and runs to about 28:00. He speaks of his anger, triggers and guilt at finding someone else attractive. http://www.c-span.org/video/?306246-1/survivors-fallen-military-members.

Widda is a huge step up!