Being new to the area we decided it would be a good idea to find some new friends

We had each joined clubs for our individual activities but soon concluded that was unlikely to yield new friendships of couples for socializing

We stumbled upon an over 50’s meet-up group for couples

It was formed by people new to the area looking to make friends

They met twice a month at different restaurants and bars so we signed up

We were the first couple to arrive in the Peruvian style restaurant so we grabbed a large table and waited for the others

They arrived in two groups and obviously knew each other but were very welcoming.

We were a group of ten and soon the dynamics of conversation formed three discussion groups, one at each end and one in the middle of the long table

We had strategically placed ourselves in the middle so we could interact with everybody

They were all nice folks with interesting backgrounds and a strong  international flavor

Stories about life in Europe, Cuba and South America flowed as fast as the happy hour cocktails

Some were empty nesters like us while a few still had teenagers at home

Those who had eaten there before made recommendations for the most tasty dishes

Soon the table was overflowing with delicious morsels and we were swept up in a fun feasting frenzy

Then somehow the conversation turned to dieting, perhaps spurned by the guilt of this food binging bonanza

We swear by the keto diet

We never eat after 6pm (even though it was well after 7pm when the food arrived)

We don’t eat carbs

We only eat one meal a day

The only thing working for us is intermittent fasting

The conversation was electric because everybody was on some sort of diet even though nobody looked overweight

Perhaps dieting is compulsory for everybody over 50

Talk of diets did not slow down consumption and every last crumb of appetizer and main course was devoured with relish

The waiter asked if we would like to hear the dessert menu before listing a mouthwatering array of ‘death by chocolate’ type dishes

Without exception, each couple ordered something outrageously high in calories and we proceeded to devour the desserts while marveling at the amazing flavors

We agreed to meet in a couple of weeks at another gastronomic venue

We said our goodbyes and left with very full bellies

We had certainly connected well with all these folks and felt that true friendships were possible

We wondered if everybody went home to their near starvation diet until the next over 50’s meet up

We did not eat much at all for the following few days