Challenging the stigma of eating alone, I decided to grab an outdoor table at Mister Pizza, located beside the beautiful Duomo. For many, eating alone seems awkward or uncomfortable, especially worrying if others think you are lonely or not. My experience couldn’t have been further from that preconception. For me, it was the first time I have ever had a sit down meal by myself. I ordered a margherita pizza and glass of Prosecco, and oddly didn’t feel strange being alone in any way. Soon after I sat down, an older gentleman sat down at the table right beside me, also alone. See, I wasn’t the only one who wanted to enjoy something by myself, and frequently here I have saw individuals dining in just the presence of themselves. Maybe the stigma didn’t exist here. I ate my meal in peace, enjoying the view of the duomo and Florence in general, as well as all the natives and tourists walking around. While sitting there in my own head, I learned that someone who can eat alone is someone who can be alone, especially when doing so by choice. Even though we’ve been raised to believe that dining is a social experience, it doesn’t need to be enjoyed in the presence of others to be appreciated wholly and completely. By enjoying a meal alone, I was able to experience a restaurant without the distractions and expectations that come from eating with other people. Also, I was able to devote all of my attention to the food and environment, giving me a heightened awareness of the Italian culture (which is why I came to Italy in the first place). I will gladly continue enjoying meals alone, not only for the remainder of my time here in Italy, but even once I return to the states!