Back in high school, my best friends and I fancied ourselves famous (at least to the Olive Garden waiters) for being the “desserts first” type of people. Every time we got together for a meal at Olive Garden, we’d insist on our dessert item as the appetizer. We usually got a very confused and momentarily dumbfounded waiter who’d check with us: “Are you sure you want to have the dessert come out first?” We’d confidently confirm our choice and eagerly await the sweet treat. To a certain extent we did it to be rebels, but it was also a way of doing what we wanted instead of what was expected.
Over the years, I haven’t gotten the chance to continue this tradition, much to my dismay. I always start a meal saying I’ll get dessert only to get halfway through the entree and be too full to continue. Luckily, at most places they have desserts that I can just eat at home for cheaper anyway so I don’t feel like I missed out on too much. Instead, I happily stock up on loads of sugar-laden snacks at home to satisfy my unwavering sweet tooth. In fact, I have so much junk food at home that it often becomes my meal. I have a bad habit of forgetting lunch these days, or grabbing an ice cream bar in lieu of something more filling/less sugary.
Really what it comes down to is enjoying what I like. Why do I need to go through a ritual of drinks, appetizers, and entree before I can get to my dessert? There shouldn’t be obstacles in my way for such a simple goal. In many ways, this little choice speaks volumes to my own life philosophy. I believe in being able to enjoy what you want and not having to hold back because the world told you so. As long as it’s not irresponsible, I don’t see the harm in having my cake first or buying that item I like or treating myself to a massage. And so I do eat, buy, and experience what matters to me. Don’t get me wrong though – I exhibit a lot of self-control when it comes to making these decisions! I don’t jump at every opportunity to do what I want; I make sure to weigh the pros and cons extensively before diving in.
