Sustenance

I find entertainment in knowing what others are eating at mealtimes. Vivid details are best, but perfunctory answers are not unwelcome. I will even accept, in lieu of a description, a bag held aloft, displaying its Burger King logo. Although later, if you walk by too slowly, I will ask if you had a Whopper or a chicken sandwich.

When dining out at restaurants, Luke always made it a point to remember for me what his dinner companions ordered, but Allie resisted - for a time. She gave in eventually; once, asking her lunch mates at zoo academy if she could take a picture of what everyone was having. I think she phrased it thusly, "My mother is crazy. Can I just take a picture of your lunches so I don't have to tell her later who had Cheetos and who had peanut butter and jelly?"  She thought I would be ashamed; I thought she displayed brilliant forethought.

Knowing the intimate details of your loved one's food preferences is vital to knowing them more openly and loving them more fully, since what we enjoy eating reveals so much about our souls.

However, certain types of people will narrow their eyes at you for asking what they eat throughout the day. They would like to know why you would like to know. For instance, the seven-foot porter stingily withholds the details of the contents of his lunch bag. He does not like for you to guess at them either, and delights in walking by, waving a nondescript takeout container that he has no intention of discussing with you. He will also smack your hand if you pet his takeout container. (And by "you", I mean the collective "you").

Although, one Christmas, he lifted the lid from his salad buffet box, allowing me a glimpse into his soul. (It is covered in fake bacon bits.)

In contrast, other types when asked, fold their hands together and begin cataloging their food passions with gusto, describing sauces, cooking methods, and accompaniments. This is how my co-worker Tony always responds to inquiries about his and his partner's dinners from the previous evening. In addition, we begin at 9:45 a.m. discussing what he should consume for lunch. (His soul is covered in blue cheese crumbles and whole milk.)

I enjoy written descriptions of food preparation the most, and I must not be alone, owing to the proliferation of all those blogs devoted to family dinner menus, homemade bread baking, and scratch-baked pies. Those types never mind revealing the garnishes on their souls.

(Btw, mine is covered in grated sharp cheddar with a dusting of Pringle crumbs and junior mints.)