When it comes to family dinners, expectations and preferences often collide in unexpected ways. What should have been a simple, home-cooked shrimp dish from my mother-in-law quickly turned into a dilemma when I noticed the shrimp were neither peeled nor deveined. While some might see this as a minor detail, the dark vein running along the shrimp’s back—the digestive tract—can be off-putting for those who prioritize cleanliness and presentation. Although eating undeveined shrimp isn’t harmful, the presence of sand or grit inside can ruin the texture and taste, especially for children.