^^ I eat alone at bars [with good food] frequently, and if I get into phone-reading mode, it's hard to engage even when someone is taking the initiative.
So I feel that!
When I keep my phone in my pocket the entire meal, it's insane how fascinating the environment becomes, even if I'm not interacting with anyone -- the various convos, employee "drama" plotlines, etc. As long as you don't focus on the TV. Bars without TV are great, by the way.
A lot easier to make a stray comment, or catch one, and get into a social mood.
So I feel that!
When I keep my phone in my pocket the entire meal, it's insane how fascinating the environment becomes, even if I'm not interacting with anyone -- the various convos, employee "drama" plotlines, etc. As long as you don't focus on the TV. Bars without TV are great, by the way.
A lot easier to make a stray comment, or catch one, and get into a social mood.