As a preface to my account of a conflict, I am declaring myself as the fussiest eater I’ve ever known. Unless you know me well and long enough, to describe what I do or do not eat will probably require you to read my encyclopaedia of “Noelle’s Food Preferences” – if I ever have one.
When I was in Nottingham for SEP last semester, I made a new friend who asked me out for lunch. It was very hospitable of her because I didn’t know many people or the places there. Before our lunch-date, she asked me about my food preferences and I told her simply that I didn’t fancy food with lots of sauces.
She brought me to a Latin restaurant. Having the impression that Latin food was full of spices and sauces, I was initially quite hesitant. However, I did not make my thoughts known to her because I did not want to make things difficult. Thankfully, while the menu’s features were Tapas and Fajitas (dishes full of dips and sauces!), there were other options available for my liking.
But then, our conflict came: she asked me if I would like to share some Tapas with her. I declined without explaining at first, but she kept insisting, so I told her that I didn’t like such food. She might have had assumed that I was very weight-conscious, because she started sharing her opinion on what one can afford to eat whilst being young, and cautioned me about my supposed diet! I was quite offended and contended with what she said. Although we seemed to exchange our differing opinions with polite words, I could feel the tension between us.
In the end, I did share Tapas with her – but eating it was agony for me. I think she may have concluded that I don’t like to eat. Actually, I absolutely adore eating, but the food must suit my picky palette! That is my problem, but I am not sure how much I can or should compromise in such situations (of which I often encounter). Any thoughts, anyone?
