Parisa Imanirad, a scientist and cancer researcher from San Francisco, is a woman who is not afraid to go against the norms of society. Despite being married and having a wide circle of friends, she still chooses to dine alone at a restaurant once or twice a week. This may seem unusual to some, but for Imanirad, it is a conscious decision that brings her joy and fulfillment.
Born and raised in Iran, Imanirad always had a passion for science and a drive to make a difference in the world. After completing her education in Iran, she moved to the United States to pursue her dreams. Her hard work and dedication paid off when she landed a job as a cancer researcher at a prestigious institute in San Francisco.
Imanirad’s work is demanding and requires long hours in the lab. Despite this, she always makes time for herself. As she puts it, “I believe in the importance of self-care. Taking care of myself not only benefits my physical and mental well-being, but it also allows me to be more productive in my work.”
One of the ways Imanirad practices self-care is by going out to eat alone. She enjoys the quiet time to herself, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. “Being alone with my thoughts helps me reflect on my day and recharge for the next one,” she says.
Some may wonder why she chooses to dine alone instead of with her husband or friends. Imanirad explains that it is not because she doesn’t enjoy their company, but rather, it is a way for her to break away from the routine and do something for herself. “I love spending time with my loved ones, but I also value my alone time. It allows me to be more present and appreciative when I am with others,” she says.
Imanirad also sees dining alone as a way to challenge the societal expectations placed on women. In many cultures, it is still considered strange for a woman to go out alone, especially if she is married. However, Imanirad believes that women should be able to do things on their own without being judged or questioned. “I want to break the stereotype that a woman’s happiness is solely dependent on her relationships. We should be able to find joy and fulfillment in ourselves as well,” she states.
Despite the occasional stares and curious looks she receives, Imanirad remains unfazed. She sees her solo dining as a way to inspire other women to embrace their independence and not be afraid to do things on their own. “I hope that by seeing me, other women will feel empowered to do the same. We should not let societal expectations limit us,” she says.
Imanirad’s solo dining adventures have also allowed her to meet new people and make unexpected connections. She recalls one particular incident where she struck up a conversation with an elderly couple sitting at the next table. They ended up sharing their life stories with each other, and the couple even offered her some valuable advice. “It’s moments like these that make me appreciate my decision to dine alone. I have had some meaningful conversations and made new friends because of it,” she says with a smile.
Apart from dining alone, Imanirad also enjoys solo travel. She believes that traveling alone allows her to immerse herself in different cultures and gain new perspectives. “Traveling alone has taught me to be more independent and adaptable. It has also helped me appreciate the little things in life,” she shares.
Imanirad’s husband and friends are extremely supportive of her solo dining and travel adventures. They understand that it is something that brings her joy and allows her to be her best self. “I am grateful to have such understanding and supportive people in my life. They encourage me to be true to myself and pursue my passions,” she says.
In a society where we are constantly connected and surrounded by people, it takes courage to choose to be alone. Parisa Imanirad is a shining example of a woman who is unapologetically herself and finds joy in her own company. She is an inspiration to many, reminding us to prioritize self-care and not be afraid to go against the norm. So the next time you see someone dining alone, don’t assume they are lonely. They may just be like Parisa Imanirad, enjoying some much-needed me-time.
