The benefits of eating dinner together as a family are well documented, but a recent study indicates that the benefits of family dinner time apply to couples without children, too.

[The researcher, David] Schramm said that while more couples are dining out, simply eating together may not be enough. The tasks surrounding mealtime—food preparation and clean up—also can be beneficial to a relationship.

“The purpose of the task is not just to get the task done, but also to strengthen the relationship with time spent together,” Schramm said.

Couples who start this pattern before having children are more likely to eat together when they do have children.

My husband and I try to eat dinner together every night. Some nights we eat promptly at 6pm; other nights, dinner may not roll around until 10pm and may consist only of a quick salad and a microwaveable meal.  Some nights we clean up after we eat; other nights we leave the dishes for another day. With busy schedules, flexibility is key. 

September 22, 2008 is  National Family Dinner Day. Whether you have children or not, mark your calendar to sit down for a family meal. Or, at least, curl up on the coach with a late-night bowl of ice cream. 

And, by all means, turn off the television.