Nearly 1 in 4 Americans eats every meal alone on a given day, and experts say couples who routinely split meals risk sliding into isolation and a "roommate dynamic."
Differing diets, food intolerances and conflicting work schedules are driving the social-media-labeled "food divorce" trend, but nutrition specialists say the bigger loss is a built-in daily chance to reconnect.
Separate meals can also raise grocery costs, prep time and cleanup, while solo diners are more likely to eat quickly, scroll on phones or rely on processed convenience foods.
Tanya Freirich recommends modular meals such as taco nights, grain bowls or sheet-pan dinners so partners can meet different dietary needs while still eating together.
When daily dinners are unrealistic, experts say even 1 intentional shared meal a week — with phones put away — can help preserve connection.