I love restaurants that offer small plates. Portion control is the biggest challenge I face with food, and it helps to know the right amount is going to come to the table. Eliminating the temptation/opportunity to just keep eating because it’s there is important to me.
Recently, I went to dinner with some friends at one of those small-plate places. We had a lovely time, better than we’ve had in the past, to be honest. That started me thinking about how the small-plate philosophy also applies to relationships. The people I was with are fine in small doses, every three or four months. I like them, but our life experiences and worldviews aren’t so aligned that I share my deepest hopes and fears with them. I suspect they’d say the same about me, that my degree of intensity and introspection isn’t something they want to deal with on a daily or weekly or monthly basis. But a few times per year works for us all.
Other people in my life come in big doses. I have contact, in person or via e-mail, every week or so (if not more frequently), and we know each other’s struggles or victories. We reach out when we need help, and when something great happens. Those friendships are like huge vats of healthy vegetables; portion size isn’t critical.
In the past, I’ve sometimes felt guilty about not seeing some friends more frequently… and also about coming home after some get-togethers feeling drained and cranky. Going forward, I’m going to celebrate my small-plate friends for what they are, and hope they’ll do the same!
Mel, it’s a privilege to say you’re my friend — on a long-distance plate. Miss you!
Back at ya, friend! (Wish we lived closer!!!)
I feel like our time at the Benedictines’ was a buffet and I carried a tray.
Love the small plate image.
A veritable banquet for me!