Dear Picky Eaters,
Stop it. Just stop it.
Nothing is worse than someone who is unwilling to try something new. It's one thing to be a little kid who only likes chicken nuggets and fries; it's another to be an adult who won't try Brie — or really, any other soft cheese.
Look, Brie is delicious. Whatever you think is gross? It's probably delicious. You just have to give it a shot. Don't just try it once. Try it at least three times before you give up on it completely.
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When I was a kid, I used to hate seafood soup. It freaked me out. When my grandma cooked it, I would literally hide in my room so I wouldn't have to eat it. I didn't have it for years after. Then one day, I grew up. I tried it again. And I liked it.
Funny thing is I don't even remember tasting it before I decided I never wanted it in my life again. Something about a boiling pot of fish and an assortment of shellfish scared me. I think it might have been the scent. Point is it was illogical. Fish and shellfish are awesome. What ever you think is gross? It's awesome too.
If you're that worried that you won't like a new kind of food, just don't order an entire plate of it. That's a recipe for a horrible time if you have an unpleasant experience.
Remember, no matter how perfect the setting is, the sad reality is that things can still go wrong. But it's important to take that first bite. One little bite is all it takes to move forward in the right direction. It could mean the difference between knowing what bacon tastes like and not knowing what bacon tastes like. Think about how different your life would be without knowing what bacon tasted like. Horrible.
When the opportunity comes to try, say, Brussels sprouts again after a bad first time, order a side of it cooked differently and give them another chance. Brussels sprouts are your friends. They want you to be big and strong. They care about you. Plus, roasted in an oven, they're quite tasty.
OK, I know what you're thinking: “But I have tried something a few times and still haven't liked it.” And that's fine. As long as you've tried something new and gave it your best shot, I can respect you. You, however, are a rare bunch.
Too often do people get stuck in the mentality of, “Ew, that _______ looks gross/smells weird/etc. I don't want to try it ever.” To all of you people, I say this in the nicest way possible, grow up.
Love,
A Concerned Eater
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