Party of 1...

Eating alone isn’t just a preference for me—it’s a necessity. After recovering from surgery to fix EoE (Eosinophilic Esophagitis) in my esophagus, I’ve had to be extremely deliberate and aware of every bite I take. It’s not just about enjoying a meal; it’s about ensuring that what I’m eating won’t trigger a reaction that could send me back to square one.

With EoE, the stakes are high. Even a seemingly harmless food can cause a reaction that needs to be traced back to the source. That’s why I have to focus on what I’m eating, how I’m chewing, and how my body is responding. Eating alone allows me the space to do this without distractions. There’s no pressure to keep up with conversation or to rush through my meal. I can take my time, paying close attention to every detail, which is crucial for my health and well-being.

In social settings, there’s a lot going on—background noise, conversation, people coming and going. All of that makes it harder to focus on my food and how it’s affecting me. When I’m alone, I can zero in on the experience, making sure that I’m chewing thoroughly and paying attention to any signs of discomfort. It’s not something I can afford to take lightly, so having the solitude to eat mindfully is something I prioritize.

Recovering from surgery has made me more conscious of my body and how it responds to food. I’ve learned that it’s essential to be in tune with what I’m eating, to recognize any early signs of a reaction. Eating alone gives me the opportunity to do that—to be fully present with my meal and to take care of my health in the way that I need to.

This focus on eating deliberately is something I am prioritizing in order to change my relationship with food and the purpose it serves. To others, eating might be a social activity, a chance to connect with friends and family. But for me, it’s also about safety and self-care. It’s about making sure that I’m taking the necessary steps to protect my health, even if that means opting out of shared meals and eating alone.

Choosing to eat alone isn’t about avoiding people; it’s about creating the conditions I need to take care of myself. It’s a deliberate decision that allows me to focus on what matters most—my health. And while it might seem like a small thing, it’s a choice that has a big impact on how I manage my condition and my recovery.

In a way, eating alone has become a form of self-preservation. It’s about acknowledging the importance of being deliberate and aware with every meal, ensuring that I’m not putting myself at risk. And that’s something I take seriously. It’s not just about enjoying a meal; it’s about making sure that meal doesn’t become a problem I’ll have to deal with later.

So, if I choose to eat alone, it’s not because I don’t value connection or social interaction. It’s because I’ve learned that sometimes, the best way to care for myself is to take a step back and focus on what my body needs. Eating alone allows me to do that, and for me, that’s non-negotiable.