Very rarely do we have guests for dinner. It is just my son and I in the evening, I cook and he eats (with me). Do we have conversations? Yes but usually the same subjets. He is autistic, so the conversations are generally on the same subjects. He works during the day, and eventually comes to the table and I serve the food. I ask how was the day, and he tells me what he was working on at the machine in his company. If anything interesting has happened, he tells me, and then the conversation is more or less finished. However, his hobby is music and the radio is always playing at the table, usually our local Swiss Pop music station. My son suddenly takes a closer look at the radio to see who is actually singing a certain song, although he generally knows, and just wants to check. He then tells me all about the circumstances of the recorded song. Naturally with time, I know all the singers and the songs, a real pop music mother.Table conversation just revolves on the songs and singers, but I enjoy it, so no problem.

When we have finished the food, I clear the dishes away into the machine, and he automatically begins to tidy the kitchen. Her really does it perfectly and when we are finished I have a spotless kitchen and the dishwasher is operating. He usually operates the dishwasher when we are finished.

If I do have visitors, usually my other son and family, conversation is generally about latest developments at work. Mr. Swiss eats in his golden oldie home, but I remember the days when he was at home, and then he liked peace and quiet when eating. However those days are long gone and I must add, I prefer a talkative climate at the table.