Can We Be Social Without Food? 🥘
Hello Friends! 👋
Happy Monday! I had my first meet-and-greet on Saturday morning and it was so much fun! I will definitely plan more of these in the future for my newsletter readers. I loved getting to meet so many of you in real life and have meaningful chats about life. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that community is important to me and I strongly believe that it is part of a healthy lifestyle. It truly filled my soul to spend some quality time with you, and I want to know I appreciate you!
Today’s newsletter addresses something I have been thinking about a lot lately and I’d love your opinion. I have always been a reasonably social person, but now that I am an empty-nester, Hubs and I have more flexibility with our free time. What does that look like? More dinners out with friends. More dinners at home with friends. More meeting friends for drinks. More weekend breakfasts out with friends. More going to listening to live music and having food and drinks. Do you see a pattern?
It’s not that I don’t enjoy trying new restaurants or meeting friends for a meal, but meals out tend to be more food than the usual, and richer than usual. And even at home, I tend to follow the cultural norms of drinks and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a large (albeit healthy) meal, and then dessert. Even walks with friends are followed by “then let’s grab coffee!”
Huh. We can only be together if there’s food and/or drinks? Would it feel uncomfortable if we sat together without so much as a snack? I’ve always thought our culture was WAY too consumption-focused and (I know how ironic this sounds) too food-centric. I used to complain about snacks during the kids’ soccer games. Seriously, they can’t play a soccer game without snacks? Are these elite athletes? Plus, do they really need a bag of chips or frosted cupcake after the game? What does that say about how we support wellness and athleticism?
But back to you and me - I have been thinking about social activities that do NOT involve food or drinks and it’s not easy! I’d love to get your feedback, which I will collect and share (anonymously) with the group in the next newsletter. Do you agree or think I’m a party pooper? What are your favorite ways to socialize without food or drinks? Or maybe we take a baby step towards minimal food and drinks.
Here’s what I’ve come up with:
Pickleball - this can really be any game, including tennis, golf, basketball. I can still chat with my friends between games and I am meeting new people too.
Walking or hiking - some of my most meaningful conversations with my friends have come during a good walk.
Just a chat at home - would it be uncomfortable to not serve something? Can we do it?
Go to a museum or new exhibit.
Inviting friends over to watch a game or movie.
Playing cards or a game
This is something I have been talking about with my friends and guess what? Many of them have been thinking the same, but felt awkward bringing it up. How can I invite my friends over without pulling out all the stops?? Maybe it’s a conversation about creating a new normal around food and drinks. Do we always need a giant meal + two desserts? LOL
I have no links today or suggestions for new things to buy. Instead, I’d love to hear from you! Reply to this email and I’ll collect the group’s thoughts and report back next week!
xx, Pamela