The Benefits Of Dining Together As a Family
Most times when I say "I missed my childhood days," it's not necessarily about the fun that surrounds it alone but the memories of the unity in my family those days are also something I wish I could bring back
I came from a polygamous family. I have about twelve siblings. I have three elder sisters, two are far older than I am and the other is some months older than I am
Whenever our meal was ready, my dad always insisted that I, my immediate half-sister, and her younger sister eat together on the same plate.
Same applies to my younger half brother with my sisters who are immediately after him and all of us must sit in the same place.
Well, I didn't bother about my brother and my sisters, my concern was myself. Why would they make me eat with ladies? I was so pissed at some point, I saw it as something demeaning at first. But as we continued in that manner, love began to spring up among us.
My half-siblings became my best friends, it got to a point where we didn't find food attractive if one of us was absent. We always ate close to our younger ones and ensured they obeyed table manners and recognized the youngest among them
As at then, my house used to always be on fire, our mothers are always quarrelling but the children are united. We loved ourselves so dearly.
Funny enough, it started from eating in thesame plate and same place. I noticed one thing with the average families in Nigeria. Most of them don't have concern for things like this, they are not bothered whether their family eats in love or not.
This is not limited to polygamous homes alone, I have seen monogamous homes where everyone eats their meal separately and it makes me wonder what is really happening.
It's not wrong to eat separately but it doesn't give a good meaning. Personally, I see that as a symbol of disunity.
Eating together portrays love and oneness. Food isn't just for satisfying our bellies, it can also serve as a channel to build bonds in families.
If there is anything I learnt from my father back then it's how to live in love and harmony with my siblings. There is so much joy in it.
It's not wrong to eat together as a family, in fact, it's the best thing to do. If you can't eat on the same plate because of certain reasons, you can sit in the same place. It builds a bond.
Unfortunately, currently that's what I am experiencing and it hurts that I am already used to it. Ever since I grew up and my meal was served separately things have changed.
I can tell how much separated I feel from my mom and siblings. Mostly whenever I get my meal, I go straight to my room and eat there alone.
Sometimes, It's not my fault, they come back home from the restaurant late, I can't sit hungry and wait for them but other times it's deliberate, I don't find it appealing anymore. I don't see the need and my schedule is even making it more complicated.
My mom complained recently that I don't spend time with them so I am planning to at least start creating time to eat meals with them even if not on the same plate but at the same place or same time, I believe that will help a bit.
