There are roughly one million thoughts and worries swarming through our heads on a first date. Is this a good match? Was that story I told funny-weird or just weird? And if the date takes place at a restaurant, the anxiety increases tenfold. Do I have food in my teeth? Did I order too little/too much? However, there’s an upside to having that first outing center on food—it could indicate whether a second date’s in the future.
Food-ology and First Dates
Food-ology is the study of the connections between personalities and eating habits. Juliet A. Boghossian, a behavioral food expert who came up with the idea, believes that everything, from how we order to the foods we chose to the pace at which we eat, reveals more about our inner selves than we realize. She’s quick to point out that there’s only so much we can tell from a first date—“[It’s] too early to tell, [since] actual eating habits are altered to portray the best behavior,” she explains. But there are some minor things we can watch out for that might give us major insight.
Menu Manners
Pay attention to the way your date orders his or her food. Menu preferences can indicate the way a person operates outside of the restaurant, too.
Adventurous, Willing to Try New Things
A person under this category will show interest in the specials, ask for the waiter’s favorite picks, or make a point of trying something new. According to Boghossian, someone like this “will challenge [his or her] partner to new heights.” Excitedly exploring uncharted food territory often extends into an openness to change and new experiences in life.
Stable, Prefers Routine to Spontaneity
If your date tells you he often orders the same dish at most restaurants, chances are he’s not a risk taker and finds comfort in routine. Someone who hesitates when trying unfamiliar foods probably has a fear of change, so if you’re looking for a partner up for anything, keep searching. But those craving stability should look no farther, says Boghossian.
