A lot of restaurants nowadays have food to share options from their menu.
Not only it can be economical for groups, they also have a chance to sample a little of everything since they do not need to order just a serving good for just one or two persons.
Sharing our food is one way of reminding another that we are in solidarity with them and if they are not a member of our clan or not yet a close friend of ours, once we initiate sharing our food with them, it means we are treating them now as family.
We can benefit from group meals, bulk orders or food sharing packages when we dine out as a group.
We could also be working in one office and sometimes need to order food.
We have an option to just order food to share and just split the bill.
Now before we browse the menu, it would not hurt to know first – when is food sharing unnecessary?
Aside from the risk of getting disease if there aren’t enough serving spoons or plates, some people may not be comfortable having to share food or split the bill with anyone else for reasons which have nothing to do with cleanliness and here are just a few:
They are following strict doctor’s advice not to eat the food we are ordering as a group
It will be unfair to split the bill with someone who cannot really consume or get at least half of what they are about to pay for.
Some people will find it awkward to say no if we offer to just share so they will just comply even if they are not comfortable and it is going to be even more awkward when we start to notice they are not touching the food.
We will assume they are just shy so we start putting food on their plate.
Those who are really well mannered will eat a little portion even if they might be allergic to it.
If it is a matter of life and death, finally they are going to speak up “I am sorry I cannot eat this because..”
Next thing you know, your sincere attempt to cut costs or strengthen the bond has now turned into an embarrassing moment for the two of you.
So next time, it wouldn’t hurt to ask everyone in the group first if they have dietary restrictions before you suggest sharing food.
They are vegan and you are not
There is nothing wrong with being vegan and there is nothing wrong also for not being one.
What is wrong is for anyone to insist that the other eat the same food he is eating just to prove how sincere they are in wanting to be friends with them.
Again it is also wrong for them to have to share the bill and sometimes it is not just about spending money and not being able to eat.
Some are vegans because they follow a religious or kharmic principle.
If you are really good friends with them or if they are family, surely, they don’t mind spending money or splitting the bill even if they cannot eat what they have just helped purchase because they sincerely just want everyone to have fun.
But as mentioned earlier, if this is about some religious practice which they strictly follow, merely spending money contributes to the act of patronizing the market for the killing of animals and for them, it equates to a big deal of kharma which can be passed on to different generations, and to the people who are dearest to them.
So next time they say no when you are thick skinned enough to still ask them for their share or contribution to the total cost of the group’s food since it is not really the majority’s fault that they cannot eat or drink the same food or beverage we all normally love, if they refuse to take part or give their share, never take this against them. They are not the usual party poopers.
If they care for you sincerely and value you as their true friend, it is possible they care for your soul too and this small act of refusal is a way for them to pray for your good karma without insisting you stop eating meat or something.
They do not like eating in small amounts
A lot of people will never admit to any trace of gluttony in their veins but a majority of them exist and sometimes they tend to be really unhappy when they feel shortchanged.
To these people, food is everything and all they want is to have all their food to themselves or be left alone when they eat.
No they are not being antisocial, they could be extroverts but at the same time have a personal preference either to eat alone or not share food.
You will be surprised to witness angels transform into monsters when triggered and they could come in all forms (overweight or skinny) and you will discover their actions are all warranted.
It is best to be tolerant with everyone’s personal dining preferences because we may be unaware of issues which would have stemmed as early as their childhood.
They could have been malnourished as a kid because of an irresponsible parent or they had eating disorders in the past, the possible reasons are endless.
It is easy for us to say “move on” but do you know what is easier? Just let them have their food to themselves or just let them eat alone in peace.
Who knows, maybe they are willing to share other stuff like a spare car or a vacation house, just never ask them to share their food.
Restaurants like Beef ‘O’ Brady’s will let their guests sit back, relax, and enjoy the family-friendly ambiance of a neighborhood pub, enjoy being in a group but at the same time have options to order shareable meals or have that one person who doesn’t like to share have his meal all for himself. Morton’s Steakhouse also has side dish sharings but let’s you enjoy the main entree for yourself. It is great that restaurants let you choose how you want it to be.
