The Way to a Man’s Heart is through his Stomach

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I remember when Adam and I would prepare and cook dinner together. We enjoyed our time in the kitchen. He was the gourmet cook and I was the “let’s-see-what’s-in-the-cupboard-and-I’ll-make-anything cook.” Together, we made some savory meals while spending quality time together.  I miss those days.

Mealtime always seems to be an opportunity for families to come together. Whether it’s in the kitchen preparing a meal or entertaining a room full of guests and passing the hors d’oeuvres, food is a key ingredient for bringing people together. For Adam and I, we took pleasure in preparing something new that we would want to try and then pairing it with a glass of wine. We sat down at dinnertime and would have great conversation. Thereafter, we’d sit down to watch a movie or listen to a CD and talk some more. The good ol’ days.

When the boys were born, one of us would entertain the children. Mealtime doesn’t seem the same anymore. What happened to those days? What happened to the joy of cooking together? What happened to discovering new recipes? Food no longer had a place in our lives to bring us together. Instead, we ate dinner in less than five minutes. Did we even talk?

Grace, I think mealtime is crucial for families. Now that the boys are older, I make it a point to sit down with the boys for dinner. And many times, Adam’s still not home. When will we enjoy a glass of wine again? Will we ever? Have I lost the way to his heart? I don’t deprive myself. I’m pouring myself another glass of Merlot.

Guiding Lesson: Eve, food is wonderful. It not only nourishes your body and provides the energy and nutrients you need, it stimulates your senses. The flavors, aromas, textures and colors are all part of experiencing food. And when you are able to create a home cooked meal with the one you love, you are creating love in the kitchen. The way to a man’s heat is through his stomach. In other words, the way to adventures in the bedroom is through experimenting in the kitchen.

However, life changes and little ones arrive that need your time. What used to be fun, creative and bonding times in the kitchen, become “THE EVENT” that includes juggling, maneuvering and surviving another meal.

Now Eve, you and Adam did lay a foundation and had many moments of fun in the kitchen. You don’t have to lose this. If this is important, then reclaim it. It won’t be the way it used to be because life continues to invite you to new experiences with yourself, in your marriage and with your family. Think of ways to include your children. They are now a part of your family. Allow them to begin exploring the magical wonders that are waiting to be created with just the right ingredients. This is edible art for them. They not only get to be part of making something, they get to eat their creation. How fun is that?

So you see Eve, all you have to do is expand your vision of the past to include your children and begin to discover new recipes. You can still include Merlot as long as you don’t forget to serve juice for your children. And go ahead and play some music. Introduce them to some of your favorites, unless you haven’t had enough of Disney tunes. Of course Adam needs to be part of this. There needs to be a day (if not more) that you as a family make sacred. And when he is not there, continue building on what you so desire with your boys.

There are ways to make meal times fun, especially since they are growing. The way you and Adam bonded over cooking and eating together, so too, will your family begin to feel a new connection. You are creating memories and providing them with the ingredients of how to create a loving home. As you and I know, love begins in the kitchen. So what are you preparing tonight, Eve?

Grace