All of the laws listed in Exodus up to chapter 23 have to do with how we relate to the world we live in. They have to do with how we deal with the poor and oppressed, and others in need. Eating flesh and milk together can help us lose sight of the fact that it is through our mother's milk that we receive nourishment when we are still unable to care for ourselves. They may not be eaten in the same meal, nor on the same dishes. Therefore, in an Orthodox Jewish home, there will be two sets of everyday dishes, utensils, cups, pots and pans.
Meticulous effort is made to keep the two sets separate.
Many Orthodox Jews will wait at least an hour after eating milk products before eating meat. Traditions vary, but they will usually wait 6 hours after eating meat before eating dairy products. The longer period after eating meat is because it takes longer for the body to digest meat. There are many factors to this controversy, which we will not go into here. Our recommendation is to not consider cheese an exception, and only buy cheese which is certified kosher.