I understand that lunch is almost no one's favorite meal. When I tell friends that it is mine, I am generally met with protests that it lacks the sweetness of a continental breakfast or the heartiness of a home-cooked dinner. But if a painting can be more than its colors, can't a meal be more than its flavors? Beyond taste, lunch reminds me of socialness, action, and energy. It feels like the imprint of plastic lunch benches on my legs, looks like clean tupperware, and sounds like good conversation. Currently, I squeeze in a lunch during the breaks between my classes and activities. It can be difficult to remember to make time for lunch when life is going on all around me, but I still try to make it a priority. For me, lunch isn't the beginning or conclusion of the day but its heart, the moments when I have too much on my mind and not enough on my plate. It is the pause in the middle of everything that brings me comfort and focus. This is especially true if I have lunch with friends who can get me out of my head and back into the present, but I am still able to find calm and enjoyment in lunches by myself. So even if lunch is not the most significant meal of the day, it remains my favorite one. I guess its insignificance is what I love about it the most.
So Heather... while I do agree with your first sentence, I appreciate your explanation of why lunch is your favorite meal. I do enjoy that lunch is often a social meal and I have many fun middle school lunch time memories. Personally, I'm a breakfast girl. Give me a waffle and the day is starting off on a good note. But, maybe we can get the best of both worlds and grab brunch together sometime :)
ReplyDeleteHeather,
ReplyDeleteI think I also agree with your first sentence, but I appreciate that you still enjoy lunch. Lunchtime, especially growing up, is quite social as you said. It's the mandated time given to elementary, middle, and high school students to eat and socialize! The things that happen at lunch could only be experienced at lunch and I have many memories from lunch. Maybe, we can make memories at lunch sometime!
To be completely honest, lunch is not my favorite meal. But what you're saying about it reminding you of being social and it being at the heart of the day completely resonated with me. School days feel long and hard, and lunch is like the oasis in the middle. Eating, not thinking about school, and talking to friends is the perfect break. It is something to look forward to at the start of the day and it's something that keeps you going until the day ends. Maybe I'll need to reconsider my favorite meal choice...
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey, I like your take and perspective on lunch and how, despite being part of the minority that likes lunch, still stick to your choice. You do make a point and I like the idea that there is always more on our minds than enough on our plate. That used to be especially true for me in my middle and high school years, where lunch was just an in between my classes.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey, I liked reading your perspective on lunch! While it's definitely not my favorite meal, I can appreciate the way you painted lunch as having more meaning to you because of the social aspect rather than the meal itself. I do love that part about lunch; being able to connect with others and meet in the middle of the day to catch up. Even though I'll forever be a dinner girl, your thoughts on lunch have shifted my perspectives in viewing lunch more than just a "quick bite to eat".
ReplyDeleteI don't think people look forward to any other meal more than lunch—it may not be as much a staple in many households as breakfast and dinner, but everyone looks forward to the escape of lunch. Whether it be at school, work, on a hike, or long car drive, lunch is a break from the days tasks. And while the importance of breakfast and dinner make them special, the simplicity and lack of high expectation for lunch make it peaceful and serene.
ReplyDeleteHey Heather! I too said my favorite meal of the day was lunch! I love it for the same reasons as you because it feels so sociable and it's quick and easy. Like you said, it's a nice break in the day to regroup and refuel. I can't wait to eat lunch today!!
ReplyDeleteYou write beautifully about the true meaning of lunch! I think it’s really easy to forget to take a break in the middle of the day and remember to focus on the people you love over a meal. Lunch is a great time to both retell your morning and talk about your hopes for the rest of the day.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with you on that. Breakfast is a start, Dinner is an end, but nothing beats a nice pause in the day like lunch. It is often I enjoy lunch more than other meals also because of the simplicity of what I am eating. It is almost always predictable, filling, and convenient.
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