Eating out now

Many businesses suffered during the anti-extradition protests.  Many people avoided going to places where they might get caught in the confrontations.  On the other hand, many people were so caught up in the movement that they were not in the mood to do the normal shopping and eating out.  Many restaurants have suffered and even closed as a result.  

Just when the protests were slowing down a bit, the Wuhan Virus hit.  Now so many  are working at home - when they do actually work. Many people simply stop going out.   Restaurants seem to be hit the hardest.  Some restaurants used to be so popular that one has to make a booking months in advance.  Now you can just walk in on most days.  More and more restaurants are closing.  Business looks bleak. 

It actually seems to be the best time to eat at our favourite restaurants.  

First of all, it is almost guaranteed that you will find a table. You will not have to fight the horde, and you can eat in quiet.  Secondly, you get the restaurant’s full attention.  In fact, your business is much more appreciated than usual - they will surely treat you well and remember you.  Thirdly, it is much more likely the you can get a steep discount, raising your sense of achievement.  Fourthly, you get the satisfaction that you are helping your favourite restaurant to survive this challenge.  You do want them to survive so that you can come back, don’t you?   Fifthly, good food puts us in a good mood, which in turn helps us fight any virus.  Sixthly, what about spending money when income may be lower due to the slow business?  Economics actually tells us that a society has to spend to lift ourselves out of a recession; cutting back deepens a recession.  Seventhly, what about the risk of catching the virus?  Given how few people are eating out these days, the chance of that happening is actually not that high - you can easily choose to sit far way from people.  

Having considered everything together, the benefit that you get for the money that you spend is so much higher than when business is blooming.  So, why not?