Three people you should take out to lunch for some one-on-one time with friends, family

I think lunch is my favorite meal of the day. It always happens at just the right time, giving you something to look forward to all morning and then fueling you until the evening.

You have the option of eating breakfast or dinner or anything in between, and lunch often contains a delicious soup or salad. Most can still drink coffee without worry of being up all night. Also, there’s usually a great special on the menu that you didn’t even think you needed and it’s on sale.

And as much as I love salads and coffee, I love them even more when I can share them with someone else. A dinner may last longer than my attention span, but a lunch is a great amount of time to dig in and catch up and fill your heart and your belly. Chances are the person across the table could use a full heart and belly, too, so it’s really a win-win for all parties involved.

Here's who should be on the lunch date list

If you’re sold on this idea and wondering who you should invite to lunch, here are three suggestions that might get you pulling out your datebook or calendar app right away.

1. Your mom/dad/daughter/son. Basically, a family member of choice that can vary based on your age. If you’re a parent in the thick of it, take one kiddo at a time to lunch and ask them questions without interruption. If you’re lucky enough to still have your parents around, take one or both of them out and make them tell some of their favorite stories, even if you’ve heard them before. Reminisce a hilarious holiday memory that almost has the soup of the day coming out your nose.

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2. The coworker you seem to get along with at work but never get to finish a conversation because you’re both decent employees. You’ve only got an hour, but it’s a good chance to show someone that you’re a human and actually have a life outside of the 8 to 5 job. See if you can find a few things you have in common, and make sure they are not negative things about your boss or other coworkers. (Even if they are an easy target!)

3. A neighbor or a fellow team parent, or any acquaintance that has always intrigued you. Maybe there’s a neighbor who always mows around your mailbox and you want to repay the favor and thank them in person for doing it. Or maybe it’s that team parent who is always spirited and positive and you want to know their smiling secret. Or maybe it’s the person who always ends up next to you in yoga class and you have always thought they were pretty cool. Everyone gets hungry.

If things aren’t as magical as you’d like, well, it was only lunch and you’ll be hungry again before you know it. But if the salad on special is amazing and the coffee is hot and fresh, life may just be a little sweeter by the afternoon.

Reach Karrie McAllister at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: McAllister suggests three people to share a lunch break with