For me, the love of food is the truest form of love. It's a relationship based on respect, admiration and giving, without the expectation of receiving.
Food gifts me different flavors, spices and taste, without ever expecting anything in return.
Its sole purpose of existence is to give selflessly, to indulge your taste buds and to take your senses on a culinary journey. It leaves you completely satisfied and happy.
If that isn't something you can learn from, I don't know what is.
People who passionately love food appreciate these various qualities, and they eventually absorb them.
Foodies are some of the best people to love because they will bring a whole new meaning to your life.
Here are 10 reasons to date a person who loves food:
1. They appreciate the small things in life, like Oreos
For many, life is about embarking on the pursuit of happiness and culminating with its achievement.
Growing up, we were taught to think and dream big. And as essential as it is to believe in the power of your dreams, it is equally important to take time out to appreciate the small things.
After all, life is made of these small moments, and food lovers realize that better than anyone.
Every time they see their food approaching the table in a restaurant, or take the first bite of a heavenly dessert, they experience pure nirvana.
For them, life is all about appreciating these moments on a daily basis. Food lovers won't expect you to win them over with grand gestures, but they'll notice and appreciate the small things you do for them.
Likewise, they won't wait for years to achieve happiness. They'll obtain it in small — but perfect — moments.
2. They know it's what's on the inside that counts
As a food lover, I know the utter disappointment you feel when you see that perfect looking pastry shell, only to realize it's practically hollow from the inside.
On the contrary, the curry from the tiny shop on the corner might look okay, but it tastes delicious.
Our experiences have taught us not to take things at face value. Something that might look appetizing on the outside might not have a delicious filling. Foodies know the importance of not judging a dish by its presentation.
They know something that looks mediocre could taste delicious, and hence, they'll give it a shot and find out for themselves. Similarly, these people believe in giving chances. They won't judge you from your first impression, and they wait to find out what's on the inside.
3. They will always be there for you in times of need (with Ben & Jerry's)
As you go through life, you realize not all of those who you call your friends will be there for you. But, food will always be there for you.
In times of celebration, some pizza and cake can make a party. In times of sadness, a chocolate cake will be the perfect companion. And in times of loneliness, ice cream is pretty perfect.
Food lovers appreciate all the good times and bad times they've been through, and food was always there to make it better.
It's a quality they admire and strive to exhibit in themselves. Therefore, you can always count on food lovers to be there for you.
They'll be there to celebrate your accomplishments, and they'll rush to your side when the going gets tough. They'll probably bring a tub of ice cream along, too.
4. They're adventurous and want life full of flavor, just like their food
Food lovers are on an endless journey to sample the plethora of culinary delights the world has to offer.
Foodies love to try different cuisines and taste new things. They appreciate the different flavors in food, and they would travel insane distances to find their favorites.
Just like their food, they prefer their lives to be full of adventure and flavor, which they will subsequently add to your life, too.
There's never a dull moment with them around. They'll always be off exploring a different part of the city or the world, and they'll either be at a new restaurant or whipping up a delicious new dish at home.
5. They know that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing
Food lovers sometimes go overboard in their love for food, and bite off more than they can digest. Many times, they've given into temptation and ended up with a stomach ache afterward.
These experiences have taught them moderation is the key, and overindulging can have its consequences. Being with a food lover, you will always be striving for the best in just the right dose.
6. They are go-getters
A food lover has traveled far and wide in search of the perfect slice of pie, the most flavorful basil chicken and the freshest fruits.
And now that foodies have tasted all the good food the world has to offer, they often crave them and won't let those cravings go unsatiated.
In life, food lovers are also willing to go that extra mile to reach their goals. They know what they want and will do what it takes to get there.
Their ardent love story with food has taught them to work for what they desire.
They know that sweet taste of success at the end is totally worth the pain.
7. They know the importance of compromise (like half-and-half pizzas)
Anyone who loves food knows the struggle of constantly trying to eat everything without getting fat.
We love our food, but we also want to look good in all the cute dresses we buy.
In our never-ending journey to taste every delicacy the world has to offer, we often find ourselves torn between eating that third slice of cake or forgoing it for the sake of our bodies.
Thus, a food lover has learned the art of compromise. We know the importance of sacrificing temporary happiness for the greater good.
Such people will respect and value your desires, and when it is necessary, they will compromise to make sure everyone is happy.
8. They know a food for every mood
Whether you eat to live or live to eat, you need to eat. A foodie knows just the right food for the right time.
With years of experience comes great knowledge. A foodie is an adventurer, a risk taker and always up for trying new things.
This has resulted in a myriad of experiences, good and bad, that food lovers will always share with you.
When you're in the mood for Chinese, they'll take you to the best place in Chinatown. If you're craving some tapas, they know just the place.
Feeling down and not in the mood to eat? They'll bring a snack you just won't be able to resist.
Parents in town and don't know where to take them? The foodie will come to the rescue.
You know you can rely on them to introduce you to something new and delicious every time you go out for dinner.
9. When life gives them lemons, they make key lime pie
Foodies know that just like their culinary journey, life is full of ups and downs. They rejoice during the ups and stay brave during the downs.
They've also learned many lessons along the way.
They've become patient as they've gone through a few bad meals before finding the perfect one.
They've also realized the importance of learning from other people's mistakes. (Life is too short to try all the restaurants your friends have warned you against.)
Foodies might not come across as such when you first meet them, but they are wise beyond years.
They know good times won't last forever, just like fudge cake.
They know the bad times will also fade, just like the aftertaste of something bitter. They're optimistic and cheerful (even more so in the presence of food), and your mood will be lifted in their company.
10. They give (love, not their food) without expecting anything in return
The relationship foodies have with food is a deep bond based on unconditional love. They are selfless and never expect anything in return.
While food lovers have been hurt by hot food, disappointed when it wasn't quite what they expected and upset when they didn't get what they wanted, they will always love food unconditionally.
The food they admire loves very similarly. It gives us flavor, spice, satisfaction and immense happiness just by being.
Foodies realize and appreciate the importance of these things in a relationship better than most people. They will love passionately and give without expectation.
And, they might even share their dessert with you.