Flying Solo: Buying for One

There’s something about the grocery store, isn’t there? I can’t tell you how many sitcoms are filled with scenes of singles wheeling around the store. There’s a bump of carts, followed by a laugh track, and an ironic and slightly awkward exchange at the butcher counter. Boy meets girl. As least that’s what’s supposed to happen, right? But what happens when life doesn’t look like an episode of Seinfeld or Friends?

Ironically, my trips to the store couldn’t be any different. I frequently tell myself, maybe today will be the day as I hastily grab my to-go Greek salad for $2.99. Then I remind myself, wait there’s no meat counter, where’s the place for my ironic small talk? The freezer aisle?

And then there’s the checkout.

Every time I go through the line at my local T.J., I am usually asked the same question. (It’s usually in the lane with the super cute cashier, so I don’t mind the conversation all that much.) “So who are you cooking for? Are you having a party?” I try my best not to laugh, explain the recipes that are in the development stage for the blog, or upcoming photo shoots for various companies. Sometimes my cart is incredibly full. More often than not, I just probably haven’t done proper grocery shopping for weeks. Other times I’ve found myself perusing aisles without a list and a gnarling hole in my stomach. I’m hungry and there’s a whole cart to fill. I guess I could instead be asked, “Wow, feeding your husband and kids?” or “Dang girl. You eat. A lot.” One time I was purchasing food from a deli when I lived in Texas, wearing an oversized tank. The person serving me asked a question. If you’re a woman, it’s the dreaded question. Out came, “Are you pregnant?” I definitely was not. Needless to say, that shirt was never worn again and quickly thrown in the trash.

Has this ever happened to you? Nope. Just me? Anyway, moving on…

There’s something about buying food, meal prepping, and cooking for one. It’s easy to waste food and any time a recipe is written it is made for four servings. What about those of us who don’t desire to have leftovers for months?

Chili for Days

I remember one winter I decided to make a pot of chili. Simple enough it was comforting, delicious, and made cold winter nights a bit more bearable. I ate that pot of chili for close to a week straight and couldn’t stand the sight of chili for a few months. I think that’s why many singles I know have chosen to live simply, finding their nutrition through smoothies with protein powder and cups of coffee. As I write this post, it’s almost noon and solely I’ve consumed a latte. Not great, but tomorrow’s a new day right?

On Buying Beef

As I fly solo, there’s many times I wish I could go to the aisle and buy steak. I don’t really consume much meat. I eat very little, maybe 3 times a week. Due to some past health problems, I try to avoid steak and pork at all costs. For some reason, steak equates manliness and an edible luxury for the forever roommate. (Because all men love meat, right?) Maybe that’s an assumption, but I digress.

When Buying for One Shifts to a Party of One

Then there’s the moments that many would relish in. You know the stay-at-home mom who can’t wait to sit in a hotel room by herself, embracing quiet for the first time in months? Or the dad that sneaks out late at night to go to the theater and watch the latest Marvel release? For some strange reason, I look on those who are sitting alone in a restaurant or theater and feel a bit of pity for them. Maybe it’s because it’s territory I haven’t journeyed into quite yet, or that I find it slightly, say, depressing. When I find a night free, I go through the contact list, scrolling because I couldn’t think of anything worse than going out by myself. If you’re single and love doing this, please let me know how you do it and why you love it.

What are some of your best stories when it comes to buying for one? Any humorous tales of singleness you could tell?

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below.

 

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