The Mealtime Habit Causing Friction Between Couples: Eating Speed

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Food News!

Think back to your last sit-down meal with your family:  Did anyone FINISH eating, just as everyone was finally sitting down? With kids, you may only care that they ate enough… but what if it’s your PARTNER?

There’s a new article about “eating speed” gaps in relationships… where one person essentially scarfs down a meal, while another takes leisurely bites.

Small gaps aren’t that noticeable, especially if the meal is stretched out.  But bigger gaps can disrupt the vibe and comfort-level at the dinner table.

It’s not necessarily A BAD THING.  One expert says, “Partners who eat at different paces may actually be more compatible than not… Eating at different paces could indicate a necessary balance in the relationship, where one person may move through the world more slowly, while another may move with more vigor.”

Obviously, there can be issues if one person isn’t respectful… and makes the other feel rushed, self-conscious about eating too quickly, gets up from the table too soon, or you’re attempting to SHARE a plate.

Like a lot of things, the key is to have a conversation about it if it’s becoming an issue.  Although if you do it at meal-time, it needs to be before the fast-eater really locks in… because they’ll be taking their plate to the sink in no time.

SOURCE: Huff Post