Do you talk about biological/medical stuff when you’re eating?

[DishLady]

I was always taught that it was rude (and gross) to discuss medical/biological issues at the table (which includes any sort of mealtime, snacktime, walking with coffee, etc.

But one of my friends has comment tummy-turning-tales and ALWAYS hits me with them while we’re eating. I’ve never said anything, but what’s being shared is usually REALLY tmi as well as just very gory. I wish the topic would come up any other time but it’s always once the food hits the table. I don't know why….

On the one hand, I’m flattered to be taken into confidence with such personal matters; on the other, I’ve lost a lot of time ordering and NOT eating bc I lose my appetite with the stories and just end up sipping my coffee.

What are your thoughts?

[Blunky]

Might be one of those weirdos who like grossing people out as a form of validation / attention seeking. I retired out of healthcare and I don't think I've had a single conversation about that stuff while eating with coworkers. We see enough of it without needing to think about it while eating. That's recovery time.

[TheRealPepperPotts]

I am actually fascinated by that kind of thing, so I could totally discuss it from a professional standpoint (medical topics, science, etc.). But I never bring it up during meals because I was taught the same.

I'd just point it out if I were the type to become queasy. I'd say "Hey, can we talk about this some other time? We're eating, and... you know." Most people clue in and oblige.

[7Phoenix7]

I was a Healthcare worker for a long time.

Me and my coworkers would eat lunch while discussing the most disturbing, sad, and crazy stuff...

But for us it was nothing. I would never eat with a friend or family member and start talking about any of that stuff.

[OlderAndWiser]

I have a step-father who is a little boy who never grew up. He loves to talk about gross things and if I tell him I don't want to hear it, he responds, "Well, I'm gonna tell you anyway." The only way to not hear the story is to get up and walk away, which I have done a few times.

No, I NEVER initiate such stories when anyone around me is eating.

[HawkPerception]

I personally don't have an issue with it, although I avoid topics that make people squirmy while eating food for the most part, just for their sake. When I have good food in front of me, nothing can stop me from devouring it 😁

[worldscolide]

Oh hell no.

Here is something funny for you, my wife when watching movies, when there are scenes of gore, surgery and stuff like that, she's the first one to be fascinated by it, where as I get grossed out.

[DishLady]

In a movie tbh it can be interesting, but I’m also not trying to have my one big meal of the day…

Mealtime in a Mediterranean household is basically family time or time to chill and enjoy whatever’s in front of you.

[worldscolide]

Same here in my poor redneck American home lol. Jk on the redneck part.. I do love me some Mediterranean food though, but I guarantee what we have here isn't real.

[DishLady]

Lol. I’ve had American dinners at friends’ homes growing up too. I want trying to make a comment or distinction. Just some homes have quick quiet dinners and then everyone goes their separate ways.

The one thing I never understood was milk at the table with every meal. We have a touch of milk in the morning and yogurt with most stuff in the afternoon/evening.

[worldscolide]

I'm right there with you on the milk situation. I actually never really have it, unless I'm cooking with it

[DishLady]

I’ll have a bit at breakfast (when I have breakfast) and would set it out for the kids when they were little. “A big glass of milk to make you strong and get the day started off right” is what I’d tell them. If I glance at the dining room table I can still see them eagerly slurping down their milk, racing to see who finishes first before they popped on their shoes and outerwear to get to school. A lot of days I’d chase them down to wipe off the milk mustaches.

[Still-alive]

yeah sounds icky. i would talk to them about it. maybe they can do it other times with a content warning before hand.

[DishLady]

Yeah, seems like I have to. This has been going on for YEARS.

[PaleDale]

I'd really set boundaries, let him know that this is not for you, especially at meal time.

[DishLady]

Yeah. I kind of thought to leave the hint by spacing out actual meetups and sticking to chats to avoid the “ick” factor.

[bowenw]

it would depend on exactly what, but not normally.

[IslaTheWitch]

we sometimes do, but nothing that would make you leave your meal unfinished :D

[Professor-college]

Well at the moment I don't have anyone to talk to while I'm eating most of the time but if I did I would probably enjoy talking about stuff like this because I love watching documentaries and I find all that very interesting to share

[DishLady]

Aww! Chin up. Documentaries are nice, but try breaking things up with chat about a cool exhibit or activity that's going on around you in real time.

[Professor-college]

Oh thank you so much for the good idea it's just that whenever I try talking about what I see in this documentaries most people consider it or not as important as something to do with famous people

[exitseven]

My wife works in healthcare so we talk about medical stuff all the time.

[Abbycado]

Eww, no I don’t. Not dinner discussion.

[Grond21]

Agreed, unless it is cleared as okay beforehand

[eagle1951]

i use too

[DishLady]

Lol. Yeah?

[eagle1951]

i was a m, edic and my late wife was a Nurse in the ER