PrintWhen Anxiety Is at the Table
There's an interesting article on the NYT website that describes the harrows of obsessive-compulsives eating out. Have you ever suffered this way in a restaurant, and if so, how did it manifest?
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7 Comments:
The only anxiety I ever experience when dining out is when someone tells me I have to tip at least 20%.
grampart at 4:26PM on 02/07/08
I've never considered the thought of having any level of OC... but I do entertain myself with making sure that all the sugars on the table are color-sorted and neat and all the condiments are placed in a way that maximizes the room on the table... I also need to have my plate and glass mirror the person with me... humm...
plasticspoontraveller at 8:16PM on 02/07/08
I am not obsessive-compulsive, but am good friends with a girl that is. She thinks anyone that is bald or balding as well as any people that have cuts or scars (or anything like it) has cancer and that cancer can be transmitted by touch or via the air we breathe (like a cold).
This is only an issue when, you go to a deli and the guy serving the food is bald (she won’t take it from him and has to leave the deli). When you go to the market and the person helping you has a bandage on their hand and that person bags the veggies you just bought (she informs the person she has changed her mind and leaves abruptly). Or when your waiter or waitress has another table with a bald individual at it – leave the restaurant. Things have changed recently and life, for now, is better for her but at times it was a constant challenge.
Needless to say her diet was very limited but hanging out with her always made for good stories…
jasonbrink at 9:05PM on 02/07/08
This reminds me of the Anal-Retentive Chef skit that Phil Hartman, bless his soul, used to do on SNL. I wish I could find that on YouTube...it was pure hilarity. *sigh*
sheeats at 10:30AM on 02/08/08
The article made me paranoid enough that I asked my husband if he thought I had OCD. He actually said yes!
wellred at 10:37AM on 02/08/08
I've never been comfortable eating alone in a restaurant. The nicer the restaurant, the more conspicuous I feel. Yet, if I'm not alone, I barely notice other diners.
The post reminded me of the tv show Monk. I get the biggest kick out that character, but I don't think I have any of those characteristics. I do carry wipes in my purse though. hmmmmm.........
PerkyMac at 12:54PM on 02/08/08
It's more just an old habit than anything else, but I like to sit near an exit, with my back to the wall.
srhcb at 1:40PM on 02/08/08