Dinner

Dinner time is family time. That is a simple rule in my house. Ever since my mother read a statistic that the average American family spends 4 minutes a day all together without phones, tv, or computers, she has been determined that we are above average. Everyone sits down, and eats while we recount our days or discuss anything that needs to be talked about. Phones go away and for just a short time we are only connected to the people around us in the room. I have been in very different experiences when having dinner with other families. I have sat down with a friend and his family and found that adults will talk while the teens and kids are allowed to do whatever they want and have no real expectations at the meal. My friend and I would pull out our phones and disconnect from the meal, or drive out before the bill has been paid as we are eager to get out. The family tolerates this, but I am sure I would experience much more resistance from my own parents. I feel a lot more comfortable at these informal dinners, like I do not have to be on as good behavior because I am not in a formal setting. My family dinners and meals with friends differentiate strongly.