A few years ago, I walked into Panera and placed my order. As I sat down, I noticed that at the table next to me, there was an older man with a cap eating his soup alone. At the sight of this, a feeling of sadness began to wash over me. Why was he eating alone? Was he lonely? Did he want someone to keep him company?

This wasn’t the first time I’d felt sad when I noticed someone eating alone. I automatically assume they’re lonely and need someone to be there for them. For some reason, eating with other people is the norm. Modern society has evolved to the point where most people eat with others and do almost every activity together. If we need to get lunch before a class, we’d rather ask around to see if someone will come with us. But is it possible we just don’t want to appear lonely?

For me, it’s easy to get pressured to have to be around other people when I see everyone else around me accompanied by a friend almost all the time. So many people are always around someone else, and that may make people think we always need someone with us to feel better about ourselves.

But that’s not true. We can enjoy being alone not everyone needs to be constantly surrounded by friends to be happy. And we shouldn’t be afraid to eat alone if that’s what we want to do. We don’t have to do what everyone else does.

Ultimately, I don’t think I’ll ever not get sad if I see someone eating alone, but I’ll bear in mind that maybe they just want a break from the world, or maybe they prefer it that way. It’s important to realize seeing someone doing something alone doesn’t always mean they’re lonely.

【小题1】Why does the author mention her experience at Panera a few years ago?

A．To introduce the topic of caring for old people.

B．To start the discussion about people eating alone.

C．To describe a memorable encounter.

D．To illustrate the benefits of eating alone outside.

【小题2】What does the author think of the norm of eating with other people?

A．It is a good way to avoid awkwardness.

B．It helps maintain social connections.

C．It is common but deserves questioning.

D．It is unreasonable and unacceptable.

【小题3】How does the author feel when people around her have company but she doesn’t?

A．Uncomfortable.

B．Isolated.

C．Envious.

D．Relaxed.

【小题4】What message does the author want to convey?

A．Social relationships are unnecessary.

B．People need to be alone to recharge.

C．Loneliness is unavoidable in our daily life.

D．Being alone doesn’t equate to loneliness.