Family meals, disputes, rules and respects.
On an ordinary Sunday, my family gathers for a good time, as has been the tradition for many years. This reunion sparked an unexpected dispute at the intersection of rules and respect.
Last Sunday, I prepared the ingredients early for the arrival of my family. The hustle and bustle in the kitchen is to present a hearty family dinner for everyone. When all the dishes are on the table, it unexpectedly opens up a contest of rules and respect.
Family members have their own activities, in-laws watch TV on the couch, husband and brother play chess, and children are busy with their phones and games. It wasn't until she came home from work that a variable that could not be ignored was introduced.
After work, she smelled the fragrant dishes and impatiently raised her hunger. I told her that there were still two dishes that had not yet been cooked, and that the big bones needed to be simmered for a while. At this time, the concubine announced the opening of the meal without scruples, saying that the fruit was just filling the stomach and was not worth mentioning.
At this moment, I chose to stick to the family rules and remind my concubine to wait for the old man to serve the table before having dinner together. The concubine didn't think so, and even took the two children and started eating regardless of etiquette. I tried to educate her that this was not only rude, but also affected the child's homeschooling, which caused her resentment.
The concubine angrily accused me of being a rulemaker, guessing that I was worried that they would eat all the good dishes first, so I didn't let the maiden move the chopsticks first. Between the words, she even said that she would not eat this meal anymore and left with the child without hesitation.
My mother-in-law also expressed her dissatisfaction with me at this moment, thinking that there is no need for a small family to be too rigid about the rules, and I, as the boss, do not know how to let go. She didn't understand why I was sticking to the rules at this time, thinking that I was so unhappy that I had finally gotten together.
This family dinner unexpectedly turned into a clash of rules and respect. Am I really doing something wrong in this encounter?Or is it a collision of cultural differences and traditional concepts?How to balance rules and respect in family meals, and should they be appropriately adjusted with the changing times?
Perhaps, each of us has a different perspective on how we approach family dinners. In times like these, we should reflect on the fact that family meals are not only about the enjoyment of food, but also about relationships and cultural heritage. Which is more important, rules or respect?This may be a food for thought.
Perhaps, at the next family dinner, we can be more flexible with the rules and understand and respect the Xi of each family member. On the basis of respect, through mutual communication, find a better balance, and make family meals a truly warm moment.
Family is the intersection of emotions and the inheritance of tradition. Here, rules and respect can coexist in harmony, making every family dinner full of warmth and happiness. May every family find their own happiness model at this common table.