Growing up, eating together was more than just a routine in my family; it was a bonding experience for my siblings and I, and sometimes our parents would gather around and eat from one single plate. It wasn't unusual, it was our normal way of living. We met every day at 6:20 a.m. for breakfast, and dinner was served between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. The only exception was lunch, since everyone was usually out for school or other daily activities. But those shared meals were sacred moments. My older sister often punished us with the sharing of meat or fish at that time; she told us to finish our meals before fish or meat🤣 Those times built a sense of unity among us that still holds strong today.
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So, imagine my surprise when I joined my new family as a bride and realized they did things very differently. In my husband’s family, everyone had their **plate, spoon, cup, and even designated chairs** in the living room. The idea of not being able to use someone else’s cup or chair felt strange to me. I remember telling my husband, **That has to stop.** My mentality about eating together, doing so many things together as a family is different, and **I believe we shouldn't begin our life together with this kind of division.** That upbringing didn't bring them closer together, from my observation. **We’re eating together!**
At first, he resisted. It was unfamiliar to him, maybe even uncomfortable. But slowly, out of love, he joined me and soon, he embraced it completely. It got to the point where he couldn't eat unless we were eating together. The memory created at the meal table was and is still overwhelming; it is a table that promotes love, brings peace, and everlasting memories. Let me tell you, Rome wasn't built in a day. I did a lot of work on him before I achieved my aim of dining together.
One memorable day, during his mother's birthday celebration, we brought that tradition into his family home. Everyone was present, and when it was time to eat, my husband and I sat down to share a plate of okro soup. The room went quiet, and everyone turned to us like we were a live TV show! His brothers asked him, **Do you eat with someone on one plate now?** And his reply? A proud and simple **YES.** He told them the joy he feels eating with me is undeniable. They were very surprised to see him change from his habit🤔
Today, that tradition continues with our children. I often dish their food together, and sometimes we all gather to dine from one plate. It creates laughter, connection, and warmth. Even though my husband's work schedule doesn’t always allow it now, we hold on to those moments when he's home. Those shared meals have become our quiet language of love.
To me, eating together is not just about food, it's about strength, affection, and unity. It’s a reminder that no matter how busy life gets, the table can always bring us back to each other.
A family that eats together truly stays together
This is my response to the #hivelearners weekly edition on the topic: Family dining.
The image used is sourced.