Donkey's Dish: Turns Out Sharing Food is Like, REALLY Good For Ya! (Who Knew?)

Far Far Away...From Loneliness!

Alright alright settle down settle down! Donkey's here to tell ya the latest scoop. Turns out sharing grub with your buddies is like the BEST thing you can do for your overall happiness! I always knew having Shrek and Fiona around for dinner was a good idea even when Shrek's breath could knock out a dragon. Apparently in places like Senegal they're sharing like eleventy seven meals a week! Meanwhile in Japan they're barely sharing any! Come on Japan get your act together! You're makin' me sadder than when Dragon leaves me for like five minutes.

13 is the Magic Number (Not That I Can Count That High)

Some smarty pants at Oxford University (sounds fancy right?) says the *optimal* number of shared meals is 13 outta 14. THIRTEEN! That’s almost every single meal! But even Senegal ain't hitting that number! They need to step up their game if they wanna be as happy as me... which let's face it is pretty darn happy! I mean I'm practically bursting with joy even when Shrek's being a grumpy ogre. Why? 'Cause I'm surrounded by friends and food! And maybe the occasional belch from Shrek adds to the charm. You know keeps things interesting.

America's Eating Alone? That's Just Sadder Than a Soggy Waffle!

Now here's the real kicker. Apparently in the U.S. folks are eating alone WAY more than they used to. Something about a "54% increase in dining alone"?! That’s just… sad. Like Eeyore level sad! What happened to good ol' chit chat around the dinner table? Are folks so busy staring at those glowing rectangles they call phones that they forgot how to you know *talk* to each other? Come on people! Let's put down the screens and pick up a fork… together!

Lunchtime Lessons: Ditch the Computer Grab a Buddy!

The big brained folks are saying it's all about the workplace. Seems like everyone's munching on their lunches in front of their computers. No no no! That's all wrong! Your coworkers aren't just there to answer your questions and do all the hard work (I'm kidding mostly). They're potential FRIENDS! Sharing a meal or even just a cup of joe can build a "culture of belonging and caring." Think of it like building a swamp... but with more pleasant smells (hopefully).

Coffee Tea or Swamp Smoothie? It's All Good!

And get this it doesn’t even have to be a full blown meal! Sharing a coffee or tea works just as well! I personally prefer a good swamp smoothie (Shrek's special recipe!) but I'm not picky. The point is just spend some time with your buddies! Talk laugh maybe even sing a little song! (I'm always up for a good tune!) It'll make you feel better than a day at the spa… or you know a mud bath in the swamp. Same thing really.

Donkey Says: Get Social! Your Happiness Depends On It!

So there you have it folks! Donkey's officially prescribing more social eating! Ditch the solo meals gather your friends and share some grub! It's good for your soul good for your relationships and heck it's just plain fun! Now if you'll excuse me I hear Shrek making something that smells suspiciously like… onions. Time for a party!