Sicilian family, small appetite, a lot of love

My partner orders something we can share when he senses it is a difficult evening, without ever making it a thing, and it is quietly brilliant.

The wine question comes up in this circle a lot and mine changed considerably, and having something else in the glass removed the discussion.

What surprised me was how many restaurants happily did a smaller portion when asked quietly. I had assumed it would be a problem.

The business dinner was the last thing I got comfortable with, and what solved it was simply doing three of them.

What I would say to somebody dreading a big meal is that it will almost certainly be less noticed than you fear.

Something practical: I sit near the end of the table if I can, because it is much easier to be less observed there.

Recognition rather than advice, if that is any use at all.

What I would say is that leaving food is allowed. I had a lifetime of not being allowed to and unlearning it took a year.

Something I got right was continuing to go out. I nearly stopped for six months and I am glad I did not.

A waiter once quietly boxed the rest of mine without being asked and said nothing at all, and I have never forgotten it.

My strategy is to order what I actually want and eat what I actually want and let the rest go, which took practice.

This is why I read the boring weeks. Thank you for the boring weeks.