How hemophilia shaped the way we eat together as a family

For many millennial families, the dining table has become somewhat of a relic. What was once a central feature of family life — where meals were shared, stories told, and connections made — is now increasingly overlooked. It’s a trend I’ve seen in many homes, including my own, where we opt to eat from the comfort of couches, beds, or even the floor.

For a long time, my family didn’t use a dining table. In our first condo, a compact four-seater (which could actually comfortably seat only two people) mostly served as a workspace for our jewelry business. Meals were often eaten on the living room couches or on the floor, in front of the TV.

Later, when we moved to a larger home, we had a plastic six-seater table, but it was reserved for guests. Even after acquiring a solid wooden table, it became more of a prep space for my husband Jared’s culinary experiments than a dining area.

The real reason for our unconventional dining habits has much to do with Jared’s severe hemophilia B. During his bleeds, Jared often finds himself immobile, unable to walk without pain. In those moments, our daughter, Cittie, and I join him for dinner in bed. It’s practical, yes, but also intimate — an experience that turns the act of eating into something comforting and personal.

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Relaxed dining allows us to enjoy family time

Interestingly, the casual way we eat together has fostered a sense of closeness that might be lacking in a more structured dining setting. It’s less about formality and more about finding comfort and joy in each other’s presence. Plus, when dealing with the unpredictability of a chronic condition like hemophilia, these relaxed, flexible dining habits aren’t just a matter of preference; they’re a necessary adaptation.

Recently, after renovating the first floor of our home, we decided to embrace our dining table for its intended purpose. Now it’s a space where we can gather and enjoy meals together as a family. But that doesn’t mean we’ve given up on the casual, bed-top dinners that have become a staple in our lives. The truth is, there’s something uniquely intimate about those moments that a dining table just can’t replicate.

Finding balance in a modern household

While the traditional dining table might be fading in favor of more relaxed meal settings, I believe there’s value in both. Having a dedicated space for meals can help establish routine and normalcy, which is especially important for kids like Cittie. Yet, flexibility is equally crucial. As a family, we’ve learned to embrace both the structured and the spontaneous — sharing laughs around the table one night, and cozying up for a bed-top dinner the next.

As millennials, Jared and I may not fit the mold of past generations, and that’s OK. Our dining habits reflect our need for comfort, adaptability, and closeness. By blending the old with the new, we create our own traditions that work for us. Whether at the dining table or in bed, what matters most is the love and connection we share during our meals — no matter where they happen.

Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.