Poll of the Day > Why do people try to force others to like certain food?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Like, I think it's ok if someone doesn't like something. I might offer them something, but won't try to force them to eat it. But people act like someone not liking something they like is an insult. Like when I don't get tomatoes on something, people keep trying to get me to taste it with tomatoes. But I already have and didn't like it.

Or like tonight, a coworker was telling me how his part of his family (like aunt, uncle, cousin, of something) didn't like onions. Despised them. So, he decided to make some kind of roast or something, and used onions in the sauce. But like disguised the taste of it or whatever. And when they liked the sauce, told them after dinner that it had onions. But what does that do?

Like they probably still won't use it in cooking. They probably don't like the taste it normally has. And you had to disguise the taste of the onions so they didn't taste it. So, what purpose does it serve to force them to eat onions?
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He's trying to push the onion agenda!
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Taily_Po posted...

He's trying to push the onion agenda!

Well, obviously. But is that all it is? Are we sure it isn't aliens? Or is everybody trying to push a certain food agendas? If so, that's too many agendas...
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To share and participate in common activities?
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Lokarin posted...

To share and participate in common activities?

But why not share and participate in foods you both like instead of forcing food they don't like down their throats? Maybe they don't like a certain food because they're allergic. Now you might kill them because you couldn't help by hide what is poison to them in their food...
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LinkPizza posted...

But what does that do?

I mean some foods taste bad on their own but mixed together than can create a unique flavour. However you're right. This doesn't change the fact you don't like the flavour of said food on it's own. Take Peppers. I don't like them on their own but on a Pizza they are good. Still some food I simply don't like whatever the case. Mushrooms come to mind. At the end of the day every is different and while I want to share my love for certain foods with others I'm not going to demand they eat it.
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wwinterj25 posted...

LinkPizza posted...

But what does that do?

I mean some foods taste bad on their own but mixed together than can create a unique flavour. However you're right. This doesn't change the fact you don't like the flavour of said food on it's own. Take Peppers. I don't like them on their own but on a Pizza they are good. Still some food I simply don't like whatever the case. Mushrooms come to mind. At the end of the day every is different and while I want to share my love for certain foods with others I'm not going to demand they eat it.

Yeah. Some foods do taste different on their own. And some do taste better on their own or with other taste depending on the food. But I do agree with you about the last part, as well. While I do like to share foods I like with people, I don't want to force them to eat it. Offering is fine, but tricking them seems a little extreme to me...
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I've known a lot of people that dislike onions in food but don't mind things seasoned with onions, like a sauce. It's usually a texture thing.

Still not cool to feed people things they don't like.

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Doctor Foxx posted...

I've known a lot of people that dislike onions in food but don't mind things seasoned with onions, like a sauce. It's usually a texture thing.

Still not cool to feed people things they don't like.

That's one of my reasons. The texture. Though, i have had stuff made with onions. But I do sometimes pick out the little bits on onion that I can see...
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I hate onions too and i think it always killed my mom cause she could almost never sneak one into my meal without my notice. With her though it wasnt her trying to force them on me it was she liked them and wasnt gonna cook me something seperate. Eat whats put in front of you or dont eat at all type of parenting.

But yeah I dont get it either people always give me shit for not liking certain things.
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I suppose it could be a mix of assumptions and food-elitism on the cook's part. The cook may assume the person hates the food due to a bad experience with it (such as the food being poorly prepared), and may think their take on the food will be more palatable.
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mooreandrew58 posted...

I hate onions too and i think it always killed my mom cause she could almost never sneak one into my meal without my notice. With her though it wasnt her trying to force them on me it was she liked them and wasnt gonna cook me something seperate. Eat whats put in front of you or dont eat at all type of parenting.

But yeah I dont get it either people always give me shit for not liking certain things.

Yeah. I can see and understand that. Cooking something separate for kids when you want something is never fun. Haha. And it would be easier if they liked the same thing. But it would suck to be forced to eat something you don't like, kid or adult.

My dad use to try to sneak jalapeos in my food. But that was because I ate one at a kid thinking it was a pickle. He said he was always trying to get me to make that face I made again. It was apparently one of the funniest faces I made... But he said I was too smart and always found them. And would check, double check, and triple check my food.

KJ StErOiDs posted...

I suppose it could be a mix of assumptions and food-elitism on the cook's part. The cook may assume the person hates the food due to a bad experience (such as having been poorly prepared), and may think their take on the food will be more palatable.

I can see and understand that, as well. I know a lot of food elitist types that are like that. And think that they can definitely change a person's mind. As a matter of fact, the person (coworker) in the story has had many past jobs cooking. So, he kind of is a food elitist at times... Not a bad one or anything (at least at work), but you can kind of tell...
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I feel like it is the opposite with pineapple on pizza
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Metalsonic66 posted...

I feel like it is the opposite with pineapple on pizza

That happens. Though, I can't say it's always the opposite. I also know people who force others to eat it. Personally, I don't mind it with ham, pepperoni, or possibly salami. But I also won't force it on anyone. If I order like a bunch of pizzas, and it's one of them, I wouldn't force it. But I would offer it...
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LinkPizza posted...

Or like tonight, a coworker was telling me how his part of his family (like aunt, uncle, cousin, of something) didn't like onions. Despised them. So, he decided to make some kind of roast or something, and used onions in the sauce. But like disguised the taste of it or whatever. And when they liked the sauce, told them after dinner that it had onions. But what does that do?

Lets hope I never meet the guy, because he sounds like someone who could actually kill me with his cooking, just because he thinks I should try something...
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Nichtcrawler X posted...

LinkPizza posted...

Or like tonight, a coworker was telling me how his part of his family (like aunt, uncle, cousin, of something) didn't like onions. Despised them. So, he decided to make some kind of roast or something, and used onions in the sauce. But like disguised the taste of it or whatever. And when they liked the sauce, told them after dinner that it had onions. But what does that do?

Lets hope I never meet the guy, because he sounds like someone who could actually kill me with his cooking, just because he thinks I should try something...

Garlic and lactose, right? And maybe something else... But, yeah. I agree. If someone can't have something because of allergies or an intolerance, you can't just make them eat it because you like it. Not everyone likes to mention their allergies (short of restaurants or something), and sometimes just says they don't like something or can't have it. And people still try to force it on them...

I know people who have tried to force something on people who have said they have allergies. They will say stuff like you just don't like it (which is also a perfectly valid answer, too, so you shouldn't force it on them) or that it's just a phase or something...
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Garlic, onion and yoghurt. No actual problems with lactose.

Edit: I share my intolerances with my grandma, with that and them being rare, I can almost just guarantee they are genetic and will not just go away in time.
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Nichtcrawler X posted...

Garlic, onion and yoghurt. No actual problems with lactose.

Edit: I share my intolerances with my grandma, with that and them being rare, I can almost just guarantee they are genetic and will not just go away in time.

Yeah. And with onion being commonly used in a bunch of stuff, it can be dangerous. Like how he forced his family to eat hidden onions just because they don't like them. Garlic is a big thing people use for flavor, as well... And he might do the same thing...
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LinkPizza posted...

Offering is fine, but tricking them seems a little extreme to me...

Oh it's a no go for me tricking someone into eating something as they could have a bad reaction to certain foods.
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It's fine not liking certain foods. What I find annoying are picky eaters that refuse to try common and popular food like pizza or ice creme. It's super annoying when you know they like the ingredients of said food like bread, tomato sauce, and cheese in the case of pizza. Come on, dude! I'm not asking you to try some exotic asian raw squid dish, it's a friggin burger!
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They must have a reason for not wanting to eat it.
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I have had people try and get me to like certain foods, and certain combinations of food.

To me, pinapple is yummy.

Pizza is supper yummy.

But pinapple on pizza is horrid and a desecration of the holy pizza.

I don't even like HAM on my pizza (detracts from the taste, while pepporoni adds to it).

Yet I have had multiple friends try and convience me to eat Hawaiian pizza. I can eat it mind you, and if I'm starving I will, but I do not like it. I will not like it, and you can not force me to like it.
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BubbleGumCrisis posted...

What I find annoying are picky eaters that refuse to try common and popular food like pizza or ice creme.

Being common and popular does not mean it is automatically good and enjoyable to them though. Why do you suggest just because it is common that one must try it?
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wolfy42 posted...

I have had people try and get me to like certain foods, and certain combinations of food.

To me, pinapple is yummy.

Pizza is supper yummy.

But pinapple on pizza is horrid and a desecration of the holy pizza.

I don't even like HAM on my pizza (detracts from the taste, while pepporoni adds to it).

Yet I have had multiple friends try and convience me to eat Hawaiian pizza. I can eat it mind you, and if I'm starving I will, but I do not like it. I will not like it, and you can not force me to like it.

pineapple and pepperoni is greatly superior to pineapple and ham. Spicy and a little sweet.
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BubbleGumCrisis posted...

It's fine not liking certain foods. What I find annoying are picky eaters that refuse to try common and popular food like pizza or ice creme. It's super annoying when you know they like the ingredients of said food like bread, tomato sauce, and cheese in the case of pizza. Come on, dude! I'm not asking you to try some exotic asian raw squid dish, it's a friggin burger!

I'm a picky eater but I'd so much rather try an exotic asian raw squid dish than a burger.
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JimCarrysToe posted...

BubbleGumCrisis posted...

It's fine not liking certain foods. What I find annoying are picky eaters that refuse to try common and popular food like pizza or ice creme. It's super annoying when you know they like the ingredients of said food like bread, tomato sauce, and cheese in the case of pizza. Come on, dude! I'm not asking you to try some exotic asian raw squid dish, it's a friggin burger!

I'm a picky eater but I'd so much rather try an exotic asian raw squid dish than a burger.

Im only a picky eater cause I have a super bad gag reflex. Im more willing to try things at home though. Just dont wanna end up puking in public or at someone elses house.
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mooreandrew58 posted...

JimCarrysToe posted...

BubbleGumCrisis posted...

It's fine not liking certain foods. What I find annoying are picky eaters that refuse to try common and popular food like pizza or ice creme. It's super annoying when you know they like the ingredients of said food like bread, tomato sauce, and cheese in the case of pizza. Come on, dude! I'm not asking you to try some exotic asian raw squid dish, it's a friggin burger!

I'm a picky eater but I'd so much rather try an exotic asian raw squid dish than a burger.

Im only a picky eater cause I have a super bad gag reflex. Im more willing to try things at home though. Just dont wanna end up puking in public or at someone elses house.

I have a bad gag reflex too, but for some reason it only kicks up when I start getting full. I'm physically unable to eat more than a plate of food at a buffet :(. Such a waste.
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LinkPizza posted...

That happens. Though, I can't say it's always the opposite. I also know people who force others to eat it. Personally, I don't mind it with ham, pepperoni, or possibly salami. But I also won't force it on anyone. If I order like a bunch of pizzas, and it's one of them, I wouldn't force it. But I would offer it...

I've never watched somebody force someone to eat something, but I have seen people encourage others to at least try things.

Pineapple on pizza really seems to rustle people's jimmies, though, for some reason.
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Metalsonic66 posted...

LinkPizza posted...

That happens. Though, I can't say it's always the opposite. I also know people who force others to eat it. Personally, I don't mind it with ham, pepperoni, or possibly salami. But I also won't force it on anyone. If I order like a bunch of pizzas, and it's one of them, I wouldn't force it. But I would offer it...

I've never watched somebody force someone to eat something, but I have seen people encourage others to at least try things.

Pineapple on pizza really seems to rustle people's jimmies, though, for some reason.

I think it's due to so many of us loving pizza so much, and while pinapple is tasty, it is sweet and offsets (to me) the yummy taste of the cheese too severly).

I am a pizza purest though, I generally only like cheese, or perhaps pepporoni (although I tend to eat off most of the actually pieces, I like the flavor it leaves behind).

I can eat a supreme though, or pizza with onions/bell peppers, sausage etc....but....it's not the same.

But ham, or especially pinnaple? It changes the taste to severly, and it's too much of a combination of flavors for me. I generally eat things seperatly, I don't like mixing, so pinapple/ham pizza...just mixes too many flavors forme.
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wolfy42 posted...

Metalsonic66 posted...

LinkPizza posted...

That happens. Though, I can't say it's always the opposite. I also know people who force others to eat it. Personally, I don't mind it with ham, pepperoni, or possibly salami. But I also won't force it on anyone. If I order like a bunch of pizzas, and it's one of them, I wouldn't force it. But I would offer it...

I've never watched somebody force someone to eat something, but I have seen people encourage others to at least try things.

Pineapple on pizza really seems to rustle people's jimmies, though, for some reason.

I think it's due to so many of us loving pizza so much, and while pinapple is tasty, it is sweet and offsets (to me) the yummy taste of the cheese too severly).

I am a pizza purest though, I generally only like cheese, or perhaps pepporoni (although I tend to eat off most of the actually pieces, I like the flavor it leaves behind).

I can eat a supreme though, or pizza with onions/bell peppers, sausage etc....but....it's not the same.

But ham, or especially pinnaple? It changes the taste to severly, and it's too much of a combination of flavors for me. I generally eat things seperatly, I don't like mixing, so pinapple/ham pizza...just mixes too many flavors forme.

I like the taste of sweet and savory. And I can still taste the pizza well. I love it! And Im all about pizza. Its not my favorite. But its good!
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Pineapple on pizza is a sort of required taste, I've tried it. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. I'll have it about once a year, just ot have something different, I don't really mind.
I know people that LOVE mushrooms on there pizza, I've tried it, but am not impressed by it, but I'll tolerate it if there buying ;)
But if I buy/make it, I'll make sure ~1/2 the pizza dosn't have any on it, and there ok with that.

Also a thing to remember...Sorry if already pointed out/obvious:
Some people are 'Brand people', and will NOT touch a certain food item UNLESS it's a certain brand.
Also the opposite is true, won't touch something just because of the brand.
I have a few friends that are the 2nd type sadly.

I've tried different foods that are the same, just make from different companies, or a sub-company of a major brand, and I can't tell the difference.

So going on a limited budget, I sometimes am forced to get the 'cheaper version' of said item, that's fine my me.

I've had friends that has tried something I made with the cheaper items, and they can't tell the difference either.

If you ever look at the ingredients that is put into something, you'll notice that some other 'brands' have the exact same ingredients.
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wolfy42 posted...

Metalsonic66 posted...

LinkPizza posted...

That happens. Though, I can't say it's always the opposite. I also know people who force others to eat it. Personally, I don't mind it with ham, pepperoni, or possibly salami. But I also won't force it on anyone. If I order like a bunch of pizzas, and it's one of them, I wouldn't force it. But I would offer it...

I've never watched somebody force someone to eat something, but I have seen people encourage others to at least try things.

Pineapple on pizza really seems to rustle people's jimmies, though, for some reason.

I think it's due to so many of us loving pizza so much, and while pinapple is tasty, it is sweet and offsets (to me) the yummy taste of the cheese too severly).

I am a pizza purest though, I generally only like cheese, or perhaps pepporoni (although I tend to eat off most of the actually pieces, I like the flavor it leaves behind).

I can eat a supreme though, or pizza with onions/bell peppers, sausage etc....but....it's not the same.

But ham, or especially pinnaple? It changes the taste to severly, and it's too much of a combination of flavors for me. I generally eat things seperatly, I don't like mixing, so pinapple/ham pizza...just mixes too many flavors forme.

There's nothing wrong with not liking it, as long as you gave it a shot.

What gets me is people who act like "how dare you put that on pizza you monster"

I'm like, I don't like barbecue chicken pizza or macaroni pizza or anchovies or spinach Alfredo, but if that is available I just will not eat it. I won't make a fuss about it
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Metroid_Lover posted...

Some people are 'Brand people', and will NOT touch a certain food item UNLESS it's a certain brand.
Also the opposite is true, won't touch something just because of the brand.
I have a few friends that are the 2nd type sadly.

....Bring on the heatdeath of the universe.
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JimCarrysToe posted...

mooreandrew58 posted...

JimCarrysToe posted...

BubbleGumCrisis posted...

It's fine not liking certain foods. What I find annoying are picky eaters that refuse to try common and popular food like pizza or ice creme. It's super annoying when you know they like the ingredients of said food like bread, tomato sauce, and cheese in the case of pizza. Come on, dude! I'm not asking you to try some exotic asian raw squid dish, it's a friggin burger!

I'm a picky eater but I'd so much rather try an exotic asian raw squid dish than a burger.

Im only a picky eater cause I have a super bad gag reflex. Im more willing to try things at home though. Just dont wanna end up puking in public or at someone elses house.

I have a bad gag reflex too, but for some reason it only kicks up when I start getting full. I'm physically unable to eat more than a plate of food at a buffet :(. Such a waste.

I can potentially spew from the first bite. It's most usually a texture problem if that occurs but it can be the flavor too.
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"What, you don't like salsa?! Oh...ohhh, you're allergic to raw tomaters."

"What, you don't like mushrooms? Oh, ohhh, you're intolerant towards lactose."
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Metroid_Lover posted...

If you ever look at the ingredients that is put into something, you'll notice that some other 'brands' have the exact same ingredients.

Different brands can and often will have different recipes for the same food stuffs, but what I think you mean, which is very true, is that the same parent company has several brands and uses the same recipe for all those brands. The difference as to what gets to be sold as what brand being based on quality testing.

Recipes can be so different between companies, I can love the product from 1 company, but absolutely hate the "same" product from another company. Luckily I only have that issue with 1 brand and product, but it is a sauce, so not essential and easy to just not get.
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because to a vegan, their food is delicous and tastes like the real thing... you just need to stop being a disgusting barbarian and make the change
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Those I would consider different products.
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Krazy_Kirby posted...

because to a vegan, their food is delicous and tastes like the real thing... you just need to stop being a disgusting barbarian and make the change

Im not sure youve ever actually met someone who is vegan

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LinkPizza posted...

Maybe they don't like a certain food because they're allergic. Now you might kill them because you couldn't help by hide what is poison to them in their food...

I dunno about anyone else, but usually when people are allergic to a food they state that they're allergic and not that they just don't like it.

BUT, you shouldn't force food on someone.

Seriously though, how many times have people known someone who's allergic to a food and they don't say they won't eat it cause they're allergic to it?
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AllstarSniper32 posted...

LinkPizza posted...

Maybe they don't like a certain food because they're allergic. Now you might kill them because you couldn't help by hide what is poison to them in their food...

I dunno about anyone else, but usually when people are allergic to a food they state that they're allergic and not that they just don't like it.

BUT, you shouldn't force food on someone.

Seriously though, how many times have people known someone who's allergic to a food and they don't say they won't eat it cause they're allergic to it?

I known a few. They say something like, "I don't eat _______" without saying anything else. Not always trying to hide it. Or sometimes, it's someone else who says it. Like if they don't know someone's allergic, but just knows they don't eat something, they might tell someone who ask, "I know they don't eat ______". Then, you have people who tell people they are allergic to something, and someone (usually a Karen or some kind) will say that, "It's just a phase". Or that "They just don't like it."
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Karen?
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AllstarSniper32 posted...

Karen?

Its a stereotype of woman. I usually see it regarding the "I want to speak to a manager" type.
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LinkPizza posted...

and someone (usually a Karen or some kind) will say that, "It's just a phase". Or that "They just don't like it."

If they were to really say that, they may take it up with my GP, had bloodtests done to figure out what was going on with me when I first started having severe symptoms.
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There are 3 foods I strongly dislike (Olives, blue cheese, and coconut) that no matter how much you try to hide them, I can taste them in anything. Younger me used to immediately spit out the food when I tasted them and stop eating it altogether, but older me will usually still eat it, just comment on how horrible the dish is the whole time.

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mooreandrew58 posted...

AllstarSniper32 posted...

Karen?

Its a stereotype of woman. I usually see it regarding the "I want to speak to a manager" type.

This. Normally, she wants to talk to the manager. But basically, they use her for a lot of things... But I've read some horror stories regarding her and stuff...
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Nichtcrawler X posted...

LinkPizza posted...

and someone (usually a Karen or some kind) will say that, "It's just a phase". Or that "They just don't like it."

If they were to really say that, they may take it up with my GP, had bloodtests done to figure out what was going on with me when I first started having severe symptoms.

If it's a true Karen, they will just say you're overreacting...
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Dikitain posted...

but older me will usually still eat it, just comment on how horrible the dish is the whole time.

As you should...
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Herd mentality to a degree. People want others to like what they like.

Other people take it as a personal insult to their skills at making food. There's also an element of challenge to it. "I'll MAKE you like it" sort of thing.

Some people are raised in an "eat what you're given or you're ungrateful and you're gonna get smacked" sort of environment, and that sort of idea is often internalized, so maybe they don't do it like that, but they might be like "is my food not good enough for you?"

It's all nonsense. That said, I'm not outright allergic to anything so the chances are that I'll eat whatever is put in front of me even if I don't like it with little to no complaint.
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Gaawa_chan posted...

Herd mentality to a degree. People want others to like what they like.

Other people take it as a personal insult to their skills at making food. There's also an element of challenge to it. "I'll MAKE you like it" sort of thing.

Some people are raised in an "eat what you're given or you're ungrateful and you're gonna get smacked" sort of environment, and that sort of idea is often internalized, so maybe they don't do it like that, but they might be like "is my food not good enough for you?"

It's all nonsense. That said, I'm not outright allergic to anything so the chances are that I'll eat whatever is put in front of me even if I don't like it with little to no complaint.

You made me think of something I dislike about my step father. He tried to imply in front of my mom that I didnt like her cooking by saying salting your food is a insult to the cook. I like salty food her not so much I dont expect her to make it to where she doesnt like it for my sake when i can just add salt after the fact. And honestly I prefer the taste of food being salted after being served up as opposed to salting while cooking it
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