They’re usually pretty interesting.
I have held to the custom of family dinnertime that was practiced in my family of origin at a time when gathering for the evening meal was a social norm. I think it’s a pity that so few families do it today. I don’t care how convenient microwave is and how busy people are, sitting down together once a day sustains an important connection.
And conversation goes with the package. Topics range widely, and expressed thoughts and opinions sometimes take us on wild tangents, often humorous and occasionally deep. The talk I heard around the dinnertable growing up, from my family of educators and avid readers, was amazing; but at the time I thought everybody had discussions like that over a meal.
Some topics are discouraged, however, if not forbidden. Those include butchery in all its forms, poop and other unappetizing physical phenomena, including blood and grease, and anything that’s going to cause me queasiness while I’m trying to eat. I don’t want to hear about anybody’s dentist appointment, either, and probably not their doctor’s visit. Tell me later, okay?
Sometimes the men in my family make it a point to include every dubious, outlawed, and borderline subject they can think of in a single mealtime conversation, just to tease me. You’d think they’d be too proud to target such an easy mark as I am, but no.