I love having a meal out alone, too. I used to feel like some kind of loser, and that everyone must be looking at me and feeling sorry for me or something. But I got used to it, and then I started to really love it. It feels like true independence to me, and I like treating myself to foods I really love that other people in my family might not, like sushi or other sorts of exotic things.
I also like traveling alone. Same reasons - I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, without having to worry about other people and their needs or desires.