Here's What You Had to Say! 💬
Hello Friends! 👋
Happy Monday! Wow. You had A LOT to say about my last newsletter titled, “Can We Be Social Without Food?” As promised, I am synthesizing your feedback and sharing it in today’s newsletter. The overwhelming sentiment (except for exactly 1 single person) was that this is something you’re also thinking about, trying to figure out, something that concerns you, that you’ve discussed with your inner circle.
I can’t copy and paste all the responses because there are too many, but there were similar themes which I will represent here, anonymously.
Going out so often is too expensive, more than it used to be.
Getting together with girlfriends without food is easier than with couples without food.
It’s too hard to invite someone/people over without offering something (I agree.)
It’s a conversation to have with your social group because a lot of people are thinking about it and are likely on the same page.
To be strategic about going out often and not overeating or overdrinking every time.
Creating your own framework (e.g. no alcohol at home or only drinking on Fridays and Saturdays) so that socializing often doesn’t derail your healthy habits.
The non-Americans were quite funny about their observations re: our crazy need to eat all the time, whether it’s kids or adults!
I love the way you expressed your thoughts on the subject AND offered suggestions. Some of you are in my shoes and thinking about this for the first time. But many of you are no longer rookies and have some great advice. Other than the non-food social activities I posted last week, here’s what came up:
Playing mahjong or another game like Rummikub
Volunteer with friends at a local charity
Go to the beach or elsewhere to watch the sunset
Book club where everyone agrees to dial it back - just a cheeseboard and fruit for dessert
Taking a walk to sightsee a new area
Trying a new exercise class like Pilates or outdoor yoga
Spending time outdoors came up a lot!
If meeting for pickleball or tennis or a movie, plan to arrive a little early so there’s extra time to chat.
Go to a dog park with your friends and the dogs
An architecture or art tour (you may need to find a guide.) Or a lot of museums and galleries will provide one if you have a sizable group.
Interior designer show houses and house/garden tours
Interesting lectures, especially at local libraries (my mom does this all the time!)
This one requires a little extra space: “My book club girlfriends of around 13 of us downloaded an app called Team Reach on our phones. We have 4 of us designated as leaders but everyone could be a leader. The leader posts upcoming activities for the group to respond to a morning walk, hike or bike! The app has you put a title to your group. When posting an activity the app has a calendar that walks you through Title of activity, location (where to meet ), we click on the who’s available, then a section for details. Out of the 13 there’s usually a group from 2-6 of us that are regulars. We even use the app when someone comes up with an idea of a road trip (morning or afternoon) to a museum or something like that.”
I read something a while ago that I found interesting: “our health is influenced more by our zip code than by our genes.” The people in your community and your social circle contribute to your health. We can influence each other for better or for worse. We can suggest to our friends, let’s have a game night and let’s just have tea or let’s keep the meal light. When you go out, you can ask your friend if she’d like to split an entree. You are allowed to not drink alcohol and not have to explain yourself.
Speaking of not drinking alcohol, something I like to do when entertaining at home is to serve a mocktail like my ginger-lime tonic or iced hibiscus tea with lime and mint and a drop of stevia. I always serve a mocktail in a wine glass and I always have garnishes like fresh mint, lemons and limes for sparkling water. There are a lot of new prepared mocktails on the market, but I have yet to find one I enjoy. My son had a Spindrift habit (Spindrift is sparkling water with a splash of fresh juice) and I have to admit, I enjoy a grapefruit Spindrift with mint or a sprig of rosemary in a wine glass when I’m entertaining at home as a no-work mocktail.
Cheers!!
xx, Pamela