Virtual Dinner Party

I live in a flat on my own, and I like to cook, so I end up eating alone regularly. But I also like to be distracted when I eat. This is why millions of people eat in front of the telly, but I don't think that's particularly satisfying. I crave conversation. That said, I'm not about to invite people round *every night* - that would drive me nuts! And I'd be exhausted! And I'd run out of friends after about the first week!

But what I do have is a laptop, and an internet connection. I could log on to the Virtual Tea Party instead! There are rules before you log in, however. You have to be at a table (the body language is all wrong if you're on a sofa). You mustn't do anything to put people off their food. A certain level of manners is encouraged (no eating with your mouth open, you tramp). Then, it's simple. A webcam transmits an image of you to your fellow diners, and your computer screen displays little images of them. You can discuss things, politics, work, TV, sex, I dunno, sheesh, whatever. You can ask them what they're eating, swap recipes. You can sit down to dinner with someone eating breakfast in Hawaii (well, I could. I think).

I'm aware this makes me sound rather sad, but as the song goes, hey, I'm just a modern guy.