Why is a woman less likely to dine alone than a man?

With the evolution of choices we see in the lives of men and women today, certain roles somehow persist.

While traveling alone, the questions that come up most often pertain to my alleged vulnerability,  as a woman. I do not contest the concern, but I question the proportion of risk to the perception of a woman’s safety, notwithstanding the countries or places where it might be unwise to visit,  for anyone.

Fear or even the prospect of embarrassment are powerful deterrents. But I am hoping that the women who would like to venture out alone for an evening, weekend, or vacation are decreasingly thwarted by residual stereotypes and just go.