When we go to a restaurant my partner insists on sitting beside me but I prefer sitting across the table. It's weird to me because it's so close together. It's led to fights and him wondering why I don't want to be close to him. He thinks I'm embarrassed by him.
Personal space, man! There’s something called elbow room when plates, glasses, cutlery and bowls are in the mix.
It’s strange that not wanting to sit close to someone draws the conclusion that you’re embarrassed by them. I wonder what the embarrassment would be. That you’re not sitting on his lap in public? I’d encourage you, if you haven’t already done so, to ask him what the embarrassment is.
Depending on the ambiance (dimly lit restaurant, romantic dinner, etc.), I understand the desire to be close to your partner. Truthfully, that setting all but calls for that kind of intimacy. And the occasion makes a difference. If it’s an anniversary dinner, sure. If it’s a random Tuesday lunch, not so much.
Usually when you get to a restaurant – fine dining, not fast-food – you’re asked how many are in the party. If there’s only two of you, get a table for two where he can’t sit right beside you. Are you being sat at tables for four or booths?
Now, what you haven’t said, is if this is when you’re dining with others. Because you haven’t mentioned that, I’m assuming it’s when it’s just the two of you. If you’re in a group and he’s still wanting to sit beside you, I have to say, that’s not uncommon or unreasonable. Generally, people sit beside their partner, if not across from them. Those are pretty much the two options when arriving at the table.
When all else fails, ask why he feels the need to be so clingy for that short period of time. It’s not like you’re sandwiched together on an airplane. It’s a restaurant where you’ll be together for, what, an hour or two? What’s the big deal if you’re not attached at the hip – literally – for one goddamn meal?