The American dream-a walk in closet. The dining room has become a disposable section of the home that served some more important function at some stage of our development. Many of them sit gathering dust, patiently awaiting the next Thanksgiving. Many of them getting swallowed up so that our consumer brains can have a closet to fit all those shoes.
The classic walled-off dining room is getting harder to find. People now tend to eat in spaces that double as kitchens and their living rooms. I even have clients talking about eating in their bedrooms. While I love a good open concept, I do have to wonder as loneliness rates increase and dinner tables decrease if and where there is a connection. When did a spot for an extra pair of shoes trump dining room conversations? You know, the ones where you make eye contact, exchange cheap shots (if you grew up in my family) and can usually find space for a few belly laughs. You learn how to navigate difficult topics, feelings and arguably start to fine tune the art of family conversations
One of my more persistent challenges with my clients is picking two to three nights a week where cell phones are checked in, screens are off and they sit with those in their family over a meal. Yes, your pets count as family. And while if you have a dining room, I would encourage you to use it, I would also make the argument that anything area can become a dining room. Bring consistent connection back over sharing a meal. This can help ward off any loneliness, especially as we move into months that can get a little gloomy.
Host a dinner party. Pick connection over shoes. Bring back the dining room table.