By: Alexia Cabreras, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S

Dinner Table Conversations

The dinner table is a sacred place for many. Sometimes, it’s the only chance we get to catch up with our loved ones. Many times, as people, we don’t recognize the magnitude of these conversations. Even the smallest of conversations can go a long way and fulfill our emotional needs, even those of the people at our table. Now, when I say “the people at our table”, those should always be the people who make us feel safe and comfortable. Furthermore, those who validate our feelings and our discussions are the ones we look forward to sitting with and sharing about our day. Whether that’s our siblings, parents, children, or significant others, the people in our household tend to make these tables throughout different periods of our lives.

Intentions behind every conversation

There is no guidebook to what we should and shouldn’t talk about. The topics of conversation are never-ending, and I’ll eventually get to that, but before we can even have certain conversations, we must know what the intentions behind them are. Think about what you’ll say and why you’re saying it. Is there meaning behind it? Or will this be constructive in any shape or form? Additionally, the intention behind every conversation should never be to inflict any level of harm or discomfort on anyone. The purpose should always stem from building connections and enhancing the bonds between you and the people at your table.

Topics of conversation

Now, let’s talk about what conversations can and should be, rather than the ones that may not be healthy to talk about at the dinner table. Here is a small list that doesn’t cover every topic but is a good start to get an idea of how to start a conversation by simply asking questions and wanting to hear from one another.

Work-related questions

• How was your day today?
• Any interesting things happen at work?
• Are you looking forward to any changes at work?

Weekend related questions

• What should we do this weekend?
• Do you have things you’d like for us to do together this weekend?
• Where should we go out to dinner?

Fun questions to ask

• If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
• If you could travel this very moment, where would you go?
• What is your favorite time of the year and why?

How to improve dinner table conversations

Not every conversation will always be constructive or meaningful. For instance, some conversations are simply fun to have and allow us to get to know those around us a little more. There are a few ways you can improve the content of these conversations and be able to simply have them. Firstly, setting structures is a good start. Make sure you encourage these conversations every day and get the conversations going if no one else will help build a routine in which people know conversations will take place. On another note, setting boundaries goes a long way. Make sure to let those around you know some topics may be off-limits, and that’s okay. There’s a time and place for everything, and sometimes, the dinner table just isn’t the place.

Begin Therapy in Katy, TX!

If you are interested in family therapy, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:

• Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information about our services.
• Meet with one of our compassionate therapists
• Find ways to thrive through therapy today!

Other Therapy Services We Offer: 

Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men's issues, women's issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!