Word On The Street: Your Personality Influences Your Taste Buds
One day, while surfing around these here internets, I happened upon an article that touched on how our personality reflects our palate (and vice versa). Because I had never really thought about it before, I did some further investigating and—what-do-ya-know? Based on certain kinds of foods that I personally like to eat, the findings about my personality were pretty on point. So, I decided to share what I discovered with y'all to see if you can also relate.
Below are six different kinds of foods. I'm gonna share what each one reflects when it comes to various character traits. Feel free to share your thoughts in the common section. This might be the day when you realize that the ice cream or jalapeño dip that you always crave could go much deeper than the surface, sis.
What Does It Mean If You Like Sweet Foods?
This one made me smile, simply because the preference is quite literal. If you're someone who has a sweet tooth, while it could mean that you've got a sugar addiction (I'm just sayin'), what it could also mean is you're literally sweet as pie.
What researchers have discovered is individuals who prefer dessert before dinner and/or are always down for a piece of candy or a sugary drink, they are oftentimes considered to be very compassionate, friendly and willing to help others. They also tend to be more agreeable than the average individual which can be a good or bad thing since they seem to be much more vulnerable too.
What Does It Mean If You Like Salty Foods?
What if you're someone who can't seem to get enough of potato chips, French fries or instant noodles? Believe it or not, you could actually be someone who is pretty self-motivated—and overworked. What research has revealed is a lot of folks who have a preference for salty foods, they are typically known as supertasters—those are folks with larger than average taste buds (one in four fall into this category). As a direct result, they also tend to show a pretty noticeable sensitivity to sour or spicy foods.
What Does It Mean If You Like Bitter/Sour Foods?
So, what if you like things like freshly made lemonade, tart cherries or a slice of grapefruit for breakfast? This one actually made me chuckle a bit. You ready? According to a study that was published back in 2015 in the journal Appetite: Eating and Drinking, it could mean that you're a low-key psychopath (a mental disorder that sometimes leans towards violent social behavior). How? Well, the research apparently states that folks who prefer the bitter side of foods oftentimes show traits of narcissism and sadism. They're also more likely to be antisocial, although quite creative. Hey, don't shoot the messenger.
What Does It Mean If You Like Spicy Foods?
Peppers. Garlic. Cayenne powder. Hot sauce. If the thought of any of this just made your mouth water, you probably are a big-time risk-taker. For example, one study said that folks who like to speed while being out on the open roads tend to go for spicy stuff. Also, if you prefer these foods to be as exotic as possible, that could mean that you're someone who likes to try new things and, believe it or not, tends to be more easygoing than most. All of this is according to a study that was presented in 2013 to the Institute of Food Technologists.
What Does It Mean If You Like Raw Foods?
Is anyone actually surprised by the fact that people who like to eat raw fruits and veggies more than anything else play out to be far more conscientiousness than anyone else? To be conscientiousness is to be someone who is led by their principles; they are always consumed with doing the right thing. While that might make you a bit of a "joy kill" with your friends, those people do tend to come to you for advice and insight since you're usually more empathetic. Plus, you tend to live longer than most, so that's definitely a benefit. Matter of fact, those who hate raw foods are oftentimes more impulsive and way more self-absorbed. Interesting.
What Does It Mean If You’ve Got a Finicky Palate?
One more. Remember the supertaster thing that I mentioned earlier? Another trait that they have is they experience taste more intensely than everyone else (which I get since they've got more taste buds than the average person does). As a direct result, some are super sensitive when it comes to what they will or won't eat. And what does that have to do with their personality trait? Well, some researchers say that it also makes them mad emotional. Since you've got such an extreme reaction to foods, you tend to have semi-extreme reactions when it comes to what you like/dislike even when it's not on your plate.
If you're a picky eater, this is definitely something to think about.
Welp. That's about it. Again, I thought it was cool info and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Sometimes a meal is just a meal. Other times, it's more of a mirror than we ever thought. Choose wisely. #wink
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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