A week ago, I exchanged my usual daily outfit of leggings and a Life is Good T-shirt for a casual-nice outfit accessorized with jewelry and a touch of makeup. The occasion? A girls’ night out with four of my favorite people: my daughters, Katie Beth, Amy, Christa, and my daughter-in-love Meagan.
We’d reserved a table several weeks in advance to take advantage of the local fondue restaurant’s “BFF night.” After counting down the days and hours, we waved goodbye to our varied responsibilities, including my daughter Amy’s adorable one-year-old who stayed home with my husband, and piled into my car for a much-needed night out.
For all our “getting away,” the evening was about being together.
I’m still treasuring that part of the evening seven days later. There I was, the mom of all these wonderful young women … and they were including me in a relaxing evening overflowing with cheese fondue, salads, chocolate fondue, and non-stop conversation. Believe me, I don’t take for granted the gift of being included in my daughters’ lives.
The food? It was excellent. The conversation? Better than we expected.
We could have just chatted – let the conversation flow back and forth. Instead, we ended up asking each other “popcorn questions.” I started off with, “What is your high and your low right now?” Not for the week – but in general. We didn’t go in an orderly fashion around the table, either. Instead, I randomly chose a different daughter to answer the question.
So began an evening of yummy fondue – the salads were good too – and some of the best conversation I’ve ever been part of, all because of popcorn questions. Questions like:
- What aspect of selfcare do you need to improve on? (I said rest. Not sleep—rest.)
- What’s on your bucket list? (I learned one of my daughters doesn’t care for bucket lists – or even making a 5-year plan or a 10-year plan.)
- What movie or TV show remake would you like to star in? (I will confess I kept changing my answer.)
- What is one thing you wish you were doing and why aren’t you doing it? (One daughter has since joined a local gym.)
The evening was a time of talking and listening – where at some point, each one of us had the undivided attention of everyone else. None of this was planned in a “Now it’s your turn” kind of way. It happened naturally, thanks to spur of the moment popcorn questions.
All because we took time for one another.
Reaping the Benefits of Intentional Conversations with Family #relationships #trust Click To Tweet 'Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.' #quote by Karen Salmansohn #family #conversation Click To Tweet
Comments 10
Brava. This whole interchange was so positive and inspired. Thank you for sharing this delicious drink of cool refreshing water in dry times. Please give us more!
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Good morning, Dee. It was a refreshing time — and I’m glad you enjoyed hearing about it. The popcorn questions conversation was so fun — and inspired us all. We even got our waiter involved. He would return to our table, ready for the next question!
Those girls’ nights out are so essential to deepening those relationships. I’m so glad you have a wonderful time connecting with your daughters. You’re a beautiful role model and such an intentional mama.
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Lisa: I know how intentional you are with your family, too. This time with my daughters is true gold.
I’d love to do that! Except my girls live 800 miles away! Maybe this fall!! So glad y’all had that time together.
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Long distance relationships are hard to juggle, Pat. I know you invest prayer into your relationships — and that’s eternal.
Aw, man! How wonderful! I love that kind of conversation! Sounds like the best kind of rest, Beth. Your heart is still full! ❤️
This would be a miracle gathering for my family. My girls and I are in three corners of the US – San Diego, Maine, and Washington state. But we are those kind of talkers – deep and meaningful, laughter and tears. Our friendships are solid and life-giving. I’m not a bucket list person either, but a gathering with all my girls needs to happen.
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Bernadette: Life-giving friendships are so needed. I’m not much for idle chit-chat. Never have been and I’m not likely to change now.
Girls’ nights are so necessary.
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Yes, Denise, yes they are — and I hope to make them a more regular occurrence! 🙂