Social Connection

Food seems to be involved in many social functions. They can range from large group functions to small, intimate functions. People usually do not like to eat alone, so maybe that is why there is the social aspect of food. Here are a few of the social functions that come to mind:

Dates
While this can be a group social activity, usually it is done as a couple. More often than not, a date would have some form of food consumption involved. A dinner date seems to be the most popular or as a social norm. However, the types of dates have changed to include different types of activities, so a lunch date would not be abnormal. This type of social activity allows the people involved in the date to converse and try to get to know one another. My first date with my wife was a dinner date, although it was with another couple. This type of date seemed to relieve some of the pressure of constantly making conversation since others were there.

Immediate Family Dinners
With families become more busy and pulled in directions, immediate family dinners can be a way for the family to socialize. Some families have only this time to talk with one another as a group because they are constantly on the go. My family is a good example of this. I work full time and have class during the week. My wife works and my kids go to school and daycare. When we have dinner together, it gives us a chance to catch up on what one another did during the day. I always ask my kids how their day was and what they did or learned in school. Because of school, I don’t get to see them as often or spend as much time with them as my wife. So I look at this as a good opportunity to talk with them and see what is going on in their lives. The time after dinner is usually spent on bathing the kids, picking up around the house and homework for both the kids and me. Dinner allows us to relax a little and talk before our nightly rituals.

Family Dinners During Holidays
This type of social get together is much different than the immediate family dinner. Most people have plans on certain holidays to go over to their parents, grandparents, aunt’s and uncle’s, or some family members house for dinner. When I was a kid, we always went to my grandparent’s house. There my aunts and uncles would convene for dinner. These dinners were not relaxing like the immediate family dinner. They usually seemed very noisy and hectic. The conversing took place before and after dinner. The family dinner during holidays can be very social due to the large number of people who attend. It seemed to me growing up that these relatives wanted to know in general terms how you had been and what your interests were.

Bar-B-Ques
One of my favorite type of social gathering is a bar-b-que. It has been my experience that the bar-b-que is usually amongst friends. My friends have an annual get together and invite other friends that we grew up with and have moved away. This includes the locals too. It is a party like atmosphere, much different than family dinners. Drinking and some kind of game is involved during these annual bar-b-ques. Some year the kids are invited, some years they are not. This resembles a family dinner during a holiday, but with more alcohol. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with old friends. Some people have had different experiences with bar-b-ques than I have. For instance, sometimes this social function combines family and friends, but it still has the party atmosphere.

Work Functions
The last social gathering I will talk about is the work function. This usually involves drinks after work or a formal type function. Food is always present at these events. At my previous and current employer, a work function would mean eating at a place that I normally wouldn’t due to price and opportunity. Coworkers tend to buy the more expensive meals and appetizers because, hey it’s on the company card! I’ve eaten at some really great places around Seattle that I normally wouldn’t have if not for being employed for certain companies. Even the after work function involves order drinks first then get out the appetizer menu and see what this restaurant has to offer.

Will