Why You Shouldn't Order One Dish Per Person At Chinese Restaurants

American-style Chinese food typically comes in a combo plate. However, the combo plate is the antithesis of family-style eating, which is common in traditional Chinese dining.

Instead of having all your own food to yourself, pass around the egg rolls and mounds of fried rice, allowing everyone at the table to share in the experience.

According to a survey conducted by Oxford University, people who often eat with others are happier and more content with their lives than those who don't.

Most combo plates have rice or noodles, meats, a veggie, and an appetizer. You can still have all of these when you eat communally — it makes the table one big combo platter.

Eating a meal together offers you and your family and friends the opportunity to create delicious connections with each other, bound together by noodles and bottles of soy sauce.