Staying in a good mood while dining alone at home

Living alone can be tough. That doesn't mean you can't treat yourself as someone special, though. I've found the following little things can bolster one's spirits, even when you're alone.

1. Cook for yourself. Yeah, that pizza's only a phone call and a half-hour away, but if you do it too often you could find yourself in quite a rut. You could have a decent meal made in the time it takes for delivery, and cooking for yourself adds a bit of pride to your day.
2. Use real plates and silverware. Paper plates are good for a sandwich and chips in the living room during a hockey game, but for supper? No way! You'll get a more at-home feeling with real plates. And before you give me guff about extra things to wash, just can it... you're doing dishes anyway after you use whatever pots or bowls you're using to make supper, and it takes less than one minute of your precious time to wash an extra plate and silverware.
3. Set a nice table. Candles? Why not? A flower in a vase or a plant as a centerpiece? Go for it! Soft music might set a nice mood. The idea here is simple: You're the only you you've got. Do for yourself for supper whatever you would if you had someone special visiting. After all, you are someone special!
4. Eat well. You know, four food groups and all. A can of vegetables in the microwave is easy to add to a meal... prepackaged lettuce salads from the grocery store are simple. Taking care of yourself means taking care of your body and its nutritional needs. Meat, starch, veggie, dairy. It's not hard, honest!
5. Waste not, want not. Don't make more than you need. I know of empty nesters or recent divorcees who have gone to make mashed potatoes and started by peeling a dozen because that's what they were used to doing. I'll try to make sure most of the recipes here have options for small numbers of servings... use them. Soup, chili, and marinara sauce freeze well, and Ziploc bags are a savior.