Why do we have to always meet at restaurants or places that serve food, when we get together with old friends?

Getting together is putting inches on my girth. It is also depleting my wallet.

Why can't we meet in the park and shake hands, then stroll and view the beauties of nature? Last week we met my in-laws in A.C. (Atlantic City, NJ). It was an equidistant point between Jericho and Washington D.C. That evening we sat down to an overly sumptuous meal. Everyone present at the table overate grossly, including me.

Nobody eats a meal before they go out for the evening. I think it may be a good idea to do so.

However, I must admit that the wine loosens up the conversation (which may or may not be a positive.) Also, choosing the proper wine from the wine list is a factor in starting a fascinating conversation.

Different friends are met at special and varied eating spots. Some only dine at Italian restaurants. It can further be broken down to red sauce advocates versus Northern Italian, lemon and white wine sauce lovers. Chinese food is wrong for many couples, but others love to eat the spareribs and won-ton soup. Japanese food has become popular recently in America (even though the Japanese have been eating it for thousands of years.) Miso soup and sushi bar counters add to the enjoyment.

Other possible meeting places:

1. Museums

2. Exercise rooms

3. Barber shops and beauty salons. Nail places are very popular nowadays.

4. Movies and theater (but conversation is limited)

5. Library (you may be "shushed" from time to time)

6. Churches and Synagogues

7. Lectures

8. Political rallies

9. Strolling on the boardwalk (Jones Beach or Long Beach)

10. At home or in a clubhouse

Note: I am not recommending barrooms or drinking establishments, but these are certainly very popular.

The true goal is "getting together." If you have to suffer through a delicious meal, it may not be so terrible.

Relax and enjoy your friends, family or old acquaintances.