We rather let the teenager sit by himself elsewhere than have the rest of the family's dinner spoiled by looking at his bored face and then everyone ends up frustrated. BUT we only do couple dinners together a year. Hubby's always on the road and the rest of us all eat different things (kids due to allergies and sensory issues) are sitting in their own spaces too (kiddy table) so it's not a big deal for us. Family meals just are not our thing.