You know what I don't understand?
People commenting on what others eat.
On the Internet especially, what other people eat seems to be of great interest to some.
I know many people have food preferences and beliefs they feel strongly about, but it's just that it's very rare (unless you are a dietitian or something) for a person to solicit feedback from other people on their diet.
It doesn't really matter if you think the whole world is ignorant of the virtues/dangers of boxed food, food on the floor, half grains, whole grains or Laffy Taffy, I just think it's rude to comment on what someone is eating.
But, I may be alone in that sentiment.
If the conversation is about food, it's one thing to say you prefer vanilla better over chocolate, but it's an entirely different thing to say, "Oh, I don't 'do' chocolate, haven't you read all the research? We only eat vanilla." to someone eating chocolate.
People can't even say anything in passing anymore without someone commenting on it.
Earlier today on Twitter, someone was excited about finding a drink they were looking for in a store, and immediately someone else responded, "Ugh, isn't that full of chemicals and stuff?"
It might have been straight formaldehyde for all I know, but really? That wasn't the point.
My kids aren't allowed to comment on someone else's food if they don't like what that person is eating.
As a matter of fact, an "Eeeew, that is gross, how can you eat that?!" will get you punished, yet many adults feel free, dare I say even obligated, to insert opinions on other people's food.
It's neither here nor there, I suppose, but I just don't get it.
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It annoys me too! People just like to feel superior, I guess. (even over things like food)
yes, your right,
its no good commenting on people about what they eat,
also, we must tolerate those children comment on the other people about their food.
I am SO with you on this. I will say, the 4yo has recently picked up some rather large new words in his vocabulary. One of the new words is "disgusting." I have heard it several times -- ONLY at the dinner table.
Nothing will get you smacked in [I do not spank, Internets, thanks for playing] faster at my house than saying "That's disgusting!" about some dish I just finished preparing.
He doesn't have the meaning quite right. He's using it to mean, "I don't care for that," or, "No thank you."
And while I would normally be mad, there's something pretty funny about hearing a 4yo exclaim, "That's disgusting!" with great enthusiasm. So right now, I'm trying not to laugh.
my husband actually did that to me the other day and it pissed me off. I was starting to crave candy corn-because it's a halloween food, of course- and he went on and on for about 5 minutes about how disgusting it was. way to go, dude.
Schadenfreude.
No one eats properly all the time. Calling someone out on their misbehavior makes us feel better. Superior. Happy.
Personally, I wish people would stop using the Internet to tell everybody what they're eating. That would probably put an end to your gripe PDQ.
SO TRUE! There is a person in my life who makes relentless comments about food. This person has been named the "Food Warden". Seriously. I get it that I need to be healthy, but if I'm having cake or ice cream or whatever it is I am having, just be quiet and let me enjoy myself. Isn't life stressful enough without having to be critiqued on what I eat?
I completely agree. A friend of mine used to comment on my food choices occasionally. I think much of it was driven by their own issues with body image and food.
I remember the day I learned this lesson. My mom married someone who likes kippers and fried green tomatoes for breakfast. The first morning I woke up to that stench and commented on it, I was severely reprimanded. Sorry folks don't see this as basic politeness anymore.
I think if someone doesn't like something someone else is eating they shouldn't go out of their way to ruin it for them. It makes me wonder every time I see it why they feel compelled to do so???
I just know that we would enjoy having a beer together. Or wine. Or water.... whatever you want. I won't criticize.
You know what Kanga said to Roo? If you don't have anything nice to say... (I think we can all finish this sentence).
In our house, we have the birthday rule - however old you are, that's how many bites you have to take of something (except for me and DH - I'm not eating 40 bites of anything! I'd look like a bus! HA). We don't ever criticize someone's choice of foods...it is the old "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" rule, and it applies at home, school, wherever!
Now, as a teacher, I have been known to call parents on their kids' lunch choices. I'm sorry, but a fruit roll up, two large marshmallows and a mini bag of Ritz crackers just doesn't cut the old lunch thing for me, at least not at the pre-k level. And yes, this was an ACTUAL lunch (not in my class, though) today. I had a boy the first week of school bring nothing but red Kool Aid and a breakfast bar...he was STARVING every day. Mom thought it was just a snack time - not a real meal. @@
It seems like Twitter, unfortunately, gives people the license to just be opinionated jerks, I mean "experts," cough. Unless someone Tweets that they just bit the head off a bat, I probably just don't care what they choose to eat. (And hey too bad Ozzy Osbourne didn't have Twitter back in the day.)
Very true! Unless you are asking a question to another person (EG: an RD), people shouldn't feel the need to comment.
Thank you.
And it works in both directions. When I mention a treat, I'm chastised by the health food zealots. When I talk about limiting my kids' sugar intake for whatever reason, I'm made fun of by people who think that's insane.
I can't win.
In my house growing up, you never ever said a thing about food being icky, gross, or ever called it crap. Let alone talk about what others liked or disliked. My Mom was freaky about that. Which I took with me as I grew up. I am aware of the dangers in all the foods and drinks I ingest... I don't need someone telling me otherwise...
A vegan friend had a couple of us over and she was really stressed about what to make. I said here is the deal. At my house I will accomidate your tastes and have a non meat dish or two, I dont announce it and I dont stress about it.
We are all aware that you are a vegan, if I am unhappy with the choices, I can eat afterwards...
If Twitter had a tagline, it would be: Passing judgment in 140 characters, or less!
hahaha! lord knows i eat anything put in front of, next to, or somewhat near me so I am sure people comment on what I might eat. I don't care! so i like katsup on my potato chips - and on my grilled cheese! tough shit if you don't! (not "you" personally!) but I do think it's gross to put mayonnaise and katsup on a scrambled egg sandwich... and I might even tell you so! it's called an opinion and i think we are all allowed one - vocally or not! it by no means means that you should not eat it! But i must say that considering all the times I've been to your house and eaten what y'all eat - i AM sorry if I have ever offended you on what I might think are your gross eating habits! bwahahaha! but I know better because I will eat anything in your cabinet or fridge - as I have done time and time again! so, happy munching! and next time, just tell me to shut up.. or, better yet, punish me!!
; ) xxxoooo
why bother keep on commenting on other people about what they eat???
are the insecure to other people???
Sometimes it's better not to say anything at all right, this is probably one of those cases. :) I would be pretty offended if someone told what I was eating was disgusting or something equally rude.
Ya mean people post what they eat? Really? :>D
OK...so I just got a phonecall from a friend inviting me to a JuicePlus seminar on good nutrtition and my immune system. We're supposed to bring our own bag lunch. Immediately I developed a strong, almost overwhelming desire to pack Goober Grape on white bread, Cheetoes, green Kool-aid and a pack of Twinkies. Not because I like any of those things, but just because I am contrary.
Seriously though, I think the only food related comments I make have to do with chocolate. Because, you know, chocolate ROCKS!
Wait, I lie. I DID have a running commentary on a food blog about whipped cream versus "non-dairy whipped topping". But the author ASKED for those comments.
I think the best thing to make for dinner is reservations! If anyone makes me a meal I eat it, I love having my food made for me, though I delight as well in cooking for my family.
Clare Willis
Helping Families Build Supplemental Income from Home
www.MyHomeCottageBiz.com
Yup...I'm with you. The other day I posted a status update on facebook describing the crazy b'fast I'd made my kids because it was so atypical for us. A "friend" admonished me with "You'd better get those kids outside to run all that sugar off". Ew... Just because you want your uterus to fall out and whack your knees until they bruise by age 50 (she's a runner) doesn't mean the rest of us are trying to make our kids into sofa shaped pieces of play-doh.
Oh crap...I just offended a bunch of runners, didn't I?
people who are watching and judging what the others will eat are just IDIOTSSS!!!