It's weird to me to thinking eating out alone is weird. There are so many reasons people dine alone: some out of necessity, some due to a no show, some out of preference (amazingly enough), or even somewhere in between. You never know, so to feel sorry for them, they may have purposely chosen it. I know there are times I am not in the mood for conversation, but do want to try something new and yet will go out for the ambiance as well. It can be really enjoyable. I too will take something(s) to read depending on what in the mood for or crosswords/sudoku. No matter, it can be enjoyable to eat alone, making it time for yourself to enjoy a nice meal out.