You are free to choose a waiting period that works for you, whether it’s an hour, two, three, or more. If observing this custom causes discomfort, confusion, or brings up difficult memories, you are equally free to disregard it entirely. If you have health concerns or dietary restrictions, you should certainly not adhere to it at all.

If your upbringing placed excessive emphasis on this practice, leading to undue stress, it may be beneficial to step away from it for a time and later decide whether to reintegrate it into your life with a healthier perspective. It is ironic that many people would sooner violate one of the Ten Commandments than eat dairy after meat at 5 hours and 55 minutes.