Have you ever been on a first date or met someone new and found it hard to determine whether you have anything in common? This can be especially true when it comes to food.
One way to gauge someone’s potentially compatible tastes is by paying attention to their order during a meal or appointment. In this article, we’ll discuss why this can be important and what you can learn.
Understanding the Importance of Paying Attention to Their Order
The act of ordering food is a complex one that can reveal a lot about a person. It can provide insight into their tastes, preferences, and even their personality.
Here are a few reasons why paying attention to someone’s order can be beneficial when getting to know them:.
Shared likes
One of the most obvious reasons to pay attention to someone’s order is to determine whether you have shared tastes in food.
If you notice that they order dishes you enjoy or are willing to try things that appeal to you, this can be a promising sign. It can also be a conversation starter as you try to find common ground and compare notes on favorite foods.
Open-mindedness
On the flip side, if someone’s order is vastly different than what you would typically choose, this can still reveal something about them. Perhaps they have an adventurous palate or enjoy trying new things.
Evidently, this person is likely to be open-minded and willing to explore new things.
Considerate and methodical
During a shared meal or session, you can also observe how they order.
Do they take time to look over the menu and weigh their options? Do they ask questions about the dishes or for recommendations from their server? These behaviors can indicate that the person is thoughtful and methodical, someone who won’t rush into making decisions, whether ordering dinner or making other types of choices.
Personality traits
Whereas, even beyond their tastes and order style, what people choose to order can give clues to their personality.
For example, someone who orders an elaborate salad with a variety of toppings could be seen as health-conscious and detail-oriented, while someone who orders a hearty steak and fries may be viewed as more down-to-earth and focused on comfort food.
How to Pay Attention to Their Order
If you want to learn more about someone’s preferences from their order, you’re going to have to be observant. Here are a few tips to help you spot important clues:.
Observe what they order
It seems so simple, but it bears mention. When someone orders, take note of what they choose. Make a mental list of what they order from the appetizers to dessert.
At some point, you may want to ask why they chose a certain dish and start a conversation from there.
Take note of how they order
Do they ask a lot of questions or have a specific way they want their dishes prepared? Do they modify their order or ask for substitutions? Someone who is particular about their order may have strong preferences and be particular about other aspects of their life.
Consider how they eat their food
Most importantly, see how they eat it.
Do they enjoy taking their time, exploring each ingredient, and enjoy the taste and flavor? Or, do they dig in at once and finish quickly? These characteristics may not prove that you’re food soulmates, but they may give insights on their temperament more significantly than what they’ve ordered.
Final Thoughts
While not foolproof, paying attention to what someone orders during a meal or appointment can provide valuable information about their tastes, personality, and preferences, among other things.
It can be an excellent way to get to know them better and see if you share similar interests. So, keep your eyes peeled and your taste buds ready!.