Dining Differently

I'm extremely used to my family and our way of doing things. We have our specified daily routines, our family celebrations that are tailored to suit us best, and our rituals at the dinner table. I've become so in-tune with how my family is that when I'm in a different house, the environment feels alien. Let's be honest; the food at someone else's house is never as good as the cooking our mom does.

A few years back, I went to my friend's house for lunch. It was even more different for me than it would normally be because it wasn't a different take on an "American meal", her family had prepared a large Persian meal. It was the first time I'd had that kind of food, and so much of it! I was willing to try it; it was delicious and I ate all of it. I remember being too shy to ask for seconds because I wanted everyone else to be able to sit and enjoy eating rather than have to serve me. I didn't know if, in her house, it was considered acceptable or not to eat more than you were served. Later, I found out that the more you eat, the better. They love it when you ask for additional helpings, but I had no idea because I'd never formally dined with their family. I was used to how things were in my family, where I would wait until everyone was finished and move on.

The whole time I was there, I felt at ease. I'd known her for awhile and though our cultures were different, they didn't conflict. Her family was incredibly kind and talkative, accepting me into their house and welcoming me at their dinner table.