The Dinner Table: Where Empathy Flows

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Dinner Table: Where Empathy Flows | Family Economics

the dinner table

I recently made this comment to a friend: “the dinner table really is an exceptional place, isn’t it?”

Not only does healthy, beautiful goodness from our garden appear on our plates, but also delicious cooking is set before us. Even the meals that the children prepare are nutritious.

But my comment to my friend was not only referring to food, but also to the conversation. Literature that is read to the family, news that is shared, hearts that reveal vulnerability, words that sometimes seem cross, words that sometimes heal, all seem to have a flavor of their own.

Deep discussions in our home seem to be the most fruitful when everyone is eating. Food captures our attention and keeps us centered and focused. We feel the comfort of food and it relaxes us. Each family member seems to respect each other more. As a whole, our family is more empathetic to one another around the table.

Have you tried to have a meal with someone you were at odds with? Hard to swallow, isn’t it? I think we’re designed that way. We really can’t break bread with others until we’re at ease with them. The table is a place of vulnerability and honesty. And when it’s not, it can literally make us feel ill.

I’ve always known the importance of the dinner table, but now it’s sinking in even more. And it makes me grateful.

Do you love the connection that happens around your dinner table?

7 Comments so far

On Sunday, August 01, 2010, Carrie G wrote

A pastor I used to know once told me that when people eat your food, then they can't be unkind toward you. I think he was onto something.

On Saturday, July 31, 2010, emily from chatting at the sky wrote

I've never thought about it that way...as dinner being difficult to swallow with people you are uncomfortable with, but wow, it's so true. You always change how I think about things, Sandy!

On Friday, July 30, 2010, Debi from Random Thoughts of a Citymouse wrote

This is a great concept. It's no surprise that the kitchen is the heart of most homes. We share food and conversation there. Some of my best memories are sitting around the table sharing some good food and good wine with my extended family.

On Friday, July 30, 2010, Amy wrote

I love dinner table time. We have had lots of fun conversations and learned lots of things from our children during this time.

On Friday, July 30, 2010, Emilie from North Carolina wrote

I am amazed at how many families do not eat together nor do they sit at the table together. When my kids have friends over, they are so excited that we sit at the table to eat and we actually have conversations. I love the connection you can have with others while sitting at the table.

On Friday, July 30, 2010, Kathy from Georgia wrote

I so believe that eating around the dinner table is so important. We eat together as a family every night. I've had neighbors comment on it. They think it is "neat", but not something for their family. If they only knew what they were missing!

On Friday, July 30, 2010, Kirstin wrote

We often don't sit around the table, but we all do sit around and eat together, even if it is on the couches. Conversations happen and we have fun. The table, the circle, wherever we sit has the opportunity for great conversation and all that you said, we make it that way. Wonderful post Sandy.

Thank You

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