One general rule I make an effort to enforce with loved ones, friends. When we set down to a meal, we set down to a meal. My rule states no discussion of the following:
politics
religion
economics
money
business
sex
Further, all phones & gadgets are either off, on silent, not given interaction. If pressed I excuse the rule to help aid with digestive troubles from stress. Generally, people then, understand and comply. "Oh, yeah I guess that makes sense. If it helps us digest our food better, alright."
You might think eliminating all the above from conversation will not leave much to discuss. You're thought would err. I will tolerate discussion of spirituality, this is not religion but how a person relates to our world. I'll handle it that as long as it remains topical and doesn't get too in depth or begin to sound like proselytizing.
I'll even give a little wiggle room to politics, so long as it again stays highly topical. If someone goes to far I will kindly remind us all. "Hey, that's all good for corporations to set policies. We're having a meal. How about the quality of this food?"
Business & money talk? No, I do not want it when we eat. That kind of stuff is peddling death usually. When we eat, we're celebrating life. Even if I'm supposed to be doing some business, or having to deal with money issues. "This can wait until we've eaten. I'll bring it back up when the time is right. Thanks,"
We can also talk about gardening, household tips, health concerns. There is plenty to chit chat about. I simply prefer to not have all the normally crappy, well, crap invade a nice meal with those I love. That crap has no place in our circle. I find once others come to "break bread" with me and they get a "feel" of my rule/s of eating, they seem to appreciate and respect that. If they do not, I slide them out into outfield. I'll not waste valued time on them. They get a cold shoulder, if i even let them see the shoulder.
I do not have a cell phone, "smart" or otherwise. My wife has her phone. I just don't "get" that kind of stuff. I also do not get too enthused about gaming. I like very few puzzle types of games, a few rpg. But I'm moderate in playing even these. Don't do a lot of Facebook either. I'm on there merely to give my wife a pointer. "Oh, look, my husband!"
No, I'm not exactly a Luddite either. I'm just not "getting" a lot of stuff any more. Might be I need a college degree. Although, I'm sure it would do no good for me. There's already a lot I'm overqualified to do work wise, and I'm only a high school graduate. And there's a lot I seemingly need a college degree to do.
Well, I can grow beans & peas. :) People like eating those. People will offer help for beans & peas, they'll offer the money stuff too for my wife. She can then pay that darned Bill guy who comes monthly to collect his share.
On Aug 1, 2016 Ben wrote:
One general rule I make an effort to enforce with loved ones, friends. When we set down to a meal, we set down to a meal. My rule states no discussion of the following:
politics
religion
economics
money
business
sex
Further, all phones & gadgets are either off, on silent, not given interaction. If pressed I excuse the rule to help aid with digestive troubles from stress. Generally, people then, understand and comply. "Oh, yeah I guess that makes sense. If it helps us digest our food better, alright."
You might think eliminating all the above from conversation will not leave much to discuss. You're thought would err. I will tolerate discussion of spirituality, this is not religion but how a person relates to our world. I'll handle it that as long as it remains topical and doesn't get too in depth or begin to sound like proselytizing.
I'll even give a little wiggle room to politics, so long as it again stays highly topical. If someone goes to far I will kindly remind us all. "Hey, that's all good for corporations to set policies. We're having a meal. How about the quality of this food?"
Business & money talk? No, I do not want it when we eat. That kind of stuff is peddling death usually. When we eat, we're celebrating life. Even if I'm supposed to be doing some business, or having to deal with money issues. "This can wait until we've eaten. I'll bring it back up when the time is right. Thanks,"
We can also talk about gardening, household tips, health concerns. There is plenty to chit chat about. I simply prefer to not have all the normally crappy, well, crap invade a nice meal with those I love. That crap has no place in our circle. I find once others come to "break bread" with me and they get a "feel" of my rule/s of eating, they seem to appreciate and respect that. If they do not, I slide them out into outfield. I'll not waste valued time on them. They get a cold shoulder, if i even let them see the shoulder.
I do not have a cell phone, "smart" or otherwise. My wife has her phone. I just don't "get" that kind of stuff. I also do not get too enthused about gaming. I like very few puzzle types of games, a few rpg. But I'm moderate in playing even these. Don't do a lot of Facebook either. I'm on there merely to give my wife a pointer. "Oh, look, my husband!"
No, I'm not exactly a Luddite either. I'm just not "getting" a lot of stuff any more. Might be I need a college degree. Although, I'm sure it would do no good for me. There's already a lot I'm overqualified to do work wise, and I'm only a high school graduate. And there's a lot I seemingly need a college degree to do.
Well, I can grow beans & peas. :) People like eating those. People will offer help for beans & peas, they'll offer the money stuff too for my wife. She can then pay that darned Bill guy who comes monthly to collect his share.