@spendywatson—It is hard to precisely define how the cause and effect works in these situations. Every family is different.
I grew up in a “working-class” family in New York City in the 50’s and 60’s. My parents were both first-generation, 3 of my grandparents were born in Europe and emigrated to the US before 1914. Both of my parents worked long-hours and my little sister and I hardly ever ate dinner with them during the week, we were at our grandparent’s apartment down the street. But my sister and I are very close and speak once or twice a week even though we live 700 miles from each other and our lives are very different. I am married, 25 years this week, with three children, and my sister is gay and has been in a committed relationship for a considerably shorter time. That’s how it worked out for us.
My wife and I decided that she would not return to work after our first child was born. And as time went on , the family dinners became part of our routine, just as spending the weekends together when possible and visiting grandparents every few weeks became part of the routine.
It seems to have worked for us, but I don’t think a family will disintegrate or turn out hating each other if you don’t eat dinner together.
We made a decision and pretty much stuck to it. It’s worked out.
Every family is different.
SRM