I Hate Potlucks

May 18, 2009 by Kim.

Okay, I know I’m in the minority here. But I really don’t like potlucks. Our department is having one tomorrow. I’m the big boss so I have to be there. I seriously thought about calling in sick, that’s how much I don’t like them, but I won’t. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Truly. My husband absolutely lives for potlucks. And the more dishes the merrier. Don’t tell anyone about this blog because I don’t want it getting back to the people I work with. They are wonderful—it has nothing to do with the people. Have I ever told you I work with the best team on earth? And I love to interact with them and listen to their stories about family and friends and hobbies. I just don’t want to eat all that food. I guess it’s because I’m one of the world’s pickiest eaters. If it looks like salad or fresh veggies, cheese (almost any kind except that smelly stuff), whole wheat bread, potato chips, or a brownie, I’m okay with it. Otherwise, I’m not much interested. I guess chicken is okay and an occasional steak. But potlucks are usually home to weird party dips, new food experiments, casseroles (don’t get me started on that one) and tons of desserts. I’m not a dessert fan, other than brownies. I prefer salty snacks to dessert anytime. When my husband reaches for the ice cream for his after dinner treat, I’ll grab a handful of chips and a dark chocolate square. Oh yeah, dark chocolate is another favorite. But it has to be 62% dark chocolate. And I’ll pass on milk chocolate every time, except for M&M’s.

I feel guilty if I don’t try a lot of different items at the potluck. People are proud of their concoctions and tend to take offense if others won’t put some on their plate. But for those of us who are satisfied with the dullest of choices, multi-colored, spicy smelling, espresso laden fare isn’t appealing no matter how nice the presentation.

But alas, I’ll go and make the best of it. I’ll put tiny portions of items on my plate I have no intention of eating to make it look like I’m joining in. I’ll table hop so no one knows if it’s my first plate or my second, and then I can feign being full and profess to having eaten too much and couldn’t possibly take another bite.

The great part is, I’ll get to visit with some team members I don’t generally see during the course of a day. I’ll get to ask them how things are going and really listen to their ideas and even read between the lines on some of our hot button issues going on in the department. They’ll get to see me in a relaxed setting where there are no expectations. So in the end, the potluck is worth every bite. Now I have to dash out and get that veggie tray for tomorrow so see you next time.

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