DailyThought #55 - Sobremesa

My brother has spent a good amount of time in Spain. Everytime he came back, he emphasized how beautiful Spanish culture is: their relaxed lifestyle, good food, and vast history. It wasn’t until I was lucky enough to go myself that I could see this beauty for myself.

After many insanely delicious meals we had during my visit, I became familiar with a saying there called sobremesa. In English, this directly translates to: over the table. Sobremesa refers to the idea of continue to hang around the table after the meal is finished. During sobremesa is where conversation flows with the winner; where laugher is shared, and trust is built. This is where stories are passed to its next teller and where silence is appreciated not awkward.

It took putting a name on this action for me to realize I have had it all along. It took putting a name to it to get me to appreciate it. Family dinners where no one wants to get up to refill their water in fear of the conversation continuing without them or ending lacking their presence. Dinner with good friends continued around scrapped plates and dirty silver wear. Conversations that turn day into night.

That’s the shit I live for.

Make The World Go Away by Eddy Arnold