Anonymous wrote:I would reply “why do you ask?” And flip it over on then. It really is none of anyone’s business. People are all entitled to a break for lunch. Some people eat at their desk, some go out, some go to the gym and some go home. I can’t stand nosy co-workers.

Same! If OP wants to take a break from work and coworkers during their lunch break, it's no one's business.

I would reply “why do you ask?” And flip it over on then. It really is none of anyone’s business. People are all entitled to a break for lunch. Some people eat at their desk, some go out, some go to the gym and some go home. I can’t stand nosy co-workers.

Just answer. I live close by and like to go home for lunch. No big deal. I used to work like four blocks from home and would go home, get in bed, and watch a re-run of Judging Amy while eating lunch each day.

A lunch with coworkers is not a break from work. Let people take breaks.

Good for you, OP.
Personally I wouldn't say I go home, I'd say I go for a walk.

I disappear for 30 min a day, twice a day, to the loo. Just how I’m plumbed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If I lived a mile away I’d go home a day or two a week. But having a lunch with a colleague or a subordinate or someone in a different function is healthy from a business perspective and good for one’s career. Disappearing every day for an hour is pretty antisocial.

I agree with this. I worked with someone who always left every day for lunch and it always had this air of secrecy to it, but she was sort of secretive about things, so it fit. I would stay in the office one or two days. But when you live close, I get the appeal. You can run a load of dishes, laundry, etc.

I was that person. I wanted to eat my own food and use my bathroom. Nothing so interesting that anyone should care.

Anonymous wrote:If I lived a mile away I’d go home a day or two a week. But having a lunch with a colleague or a subordinate or someone in a different function is healthy from a business perspective and good for one’s career. Disappearing every day for an hour is pretty antisocial.

I agree with this. I worked with someone who always left every day for lunch and it always had this air of secrecy to it, but she was sort of secretive about things, so it fit. I would stay in the office one or two days. But when you live close, I get the appeal. You can run a load of dishes, laundry, etc.

Anonymous wrote:I dare you to start singing "Afternoon Delight"!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu1UXCdyNo0

If I lived a mile away I’d go home a day or two a week. But having a lunch with a colleague or a subordinate or someone in a different function is healthy from a business perspective and good for one’s career. Disappearing every day for an hour is pretty antisocial.

I dare you to start singing "Afternoon Delight"!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu1UXCdyNo0

Anonymous wrote:Tell them "I go home to let the dog out"

They'll say "I didn't know you had a dog"

You reply "I don't"

Then enjoy the puzzled expression on their face.

By "dog" I mean "poop"

Anonymous wrote:Tell them "I go home to let the dog out"

They'll say "I didn't know you had a dog"

You reply "I don't"

Then enjoy the puzzled expression on their face.

Oh my gosh, this is so clever! Hilarious. OP, do this! /s

Is it common for your coworkers to live close? It isn't common where I work and so people are surprised that I have time to go home for lunch. I just say I prefer to eat hot food I can grab at home.

Tell them "I go home to let the dog out"

They'll say "I didn't know you had a dog"

You reply "I don't"

Then enjoy the puzzled expression on their face.

Anonymous wrote:How long is your lunch? Are you staying within that time period? Walking 2 miles + eating would not fit into my lunch period.

Is this some kind of flex about walking instead of driving?