WHY BREAKING BREAD WITH FRIENDS MATTERS

Almost every Friday night at my house, I have people over for dinner.  I make a big meal and we have a great time.  There's usually a bunch of kids and pets running around in the house, and the activity and noise make me very happy.


When I first started having people over, I'd order take-out.  As I started to cook and wanted my friends to try my dishes, I'd over-plan every meal and try to follow each recipe exactly.  It was stressing me out.  As I've evolved as a cook, I don't stress so much.  I still want everyone to enjoy my cooking, but I'm comfortable with whatever meal I make.  And I surround myself with good people, so when something doesn't turn out that great, we all laugh (just recently on one of these Friday dinners, I made blueberry pie from scratch, but somehow mixed baking soda for corn starch and the pie was bitter and disgusting!  I just opened another bottle of wine and dug up some homemade cookies).


Humans are social creatures.  Our health depends on contact with others.  We know that touching premature babies help them grow.   Studies have shown that talking with one another releases oxytocin, also called the "love hormone".  In fact, people who are socially connected are healthier and live longer than their more isolated peers. 


Yet somehow, many of us are more and more isolated.  We drive alone in our cars, we text instead of chat, we have our earplugs on, we zone out on television.  That's why making a commitment to get together with friends is more important than ever.  Instead of (or in addition to) joining a bowling league, why don't you have some friends over for dinner this weekend?


Don't be afraid to cook for someone.  It's the gift of sitting down, slowing down, talking, laughing to give to your friends.  And even though they may enjoy what you've cooked, they'll remember the camaraderie even more.