Dinner Conversation

Having a meal with a friend definitely ranks toward the top of my list of great things to build a strong friendship.  I believe that my enjoyment of this is due to the fact that A) I love food and  B) spending time with a friend is so nice!  Last night, one of my best friends came over for dinner.  I had decided to make meatloaf and she brought homemade mashed potatoes.  We added green beans, Hawaiian rolls, and a healthy dessert of peaches and blueberries.  Although the meal was delicious, I love the fact that sitting at the table with friends or family forces you to block out the unending distractions around us and to actually listen and talk.  (Yes, this means don't bring your cellphone to the table or leave the TV on.)  This brings to mind many meals I have had at Olive Garden with a good friend from church.  We often stayed at the restaurant long after our meal had arrived simply chatting and catching up.  I am also reminded of the wonderful meals that my mom fixes when my brother and I come home.  She loves to try out new recipes and present the food in such a beautiful fashion.  I think that making dinner and having it with someone really speaks to me that I am cared about and cared for.  Finally, I think of the many get togethers with both extended sides of my family sitting next to aunts, uncles, and cousins.  I'm convinced that we burned more calories laughing than we do eating....even eating our family favorite potato salad.  Food brings us together when the world otherwise tells us there is not enough time to slow down.

I know life is fast paced, and I recognize that I don't do a terribly great job of cooking on a regular basis.  However, the meals that I spend dining either out or at home with friends, family, or my boyfriend are always so fulfilling.  It makes me strive to do a better job and to purposefully seek out opportunities to connect with those who are important in my life.

If you wish to read more about the benefits of dining with family, read this 2006 article from TIME:  "The Magic of the Family Meal."