How do you know if you really know someone? When we grow up, we learn to wear multiple masks. Most of the time we play different roles when we're with different people. We act one way when we're with our parents, then a completely different way when we're with our friends. Then we start careers and become actors. We adopt professional personas that are completely different from who we are when we're home with our family. By the time we're middle aged we're completely out of touch with our true selves.
There is a way to cut through the layers of false identities if you want to know someones true self. You can ask them a question that will reveal a lot of information. The question is, "What would you want your last meal to be before you die?" It's kind of morbid, and I apologize for that. But food is a very intimate a subject. And when you add the fact that it's their last meal, you are getting to see the person behind the mask.
Food is interesting. We like what we like. We all have comfort foods we grew up with that make us feel safe and loved. But when we grow up food also becomes a part of our false identity. How many people do you know who say, I can't eat that because I'm on a diet, or I'm vegan, or I only eat meat. Well, if you're about to eat your LAST meal are you going to stick to your diet?
I was a punk kid from Northern California in the 1990's. There are two foods that always made me happy. It's straight up junk food and shouldn't be part of anyone's regular diet. But it reveals a lot about who I am. If you're from Northern California, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Before I die, I want an In-N-Out burger (Double Double Animal Style) and a greasy ass Jimboys taco. The delicious salt and grease from that meal will release endorphins in my brain and make me feel happy and calm before I meet eternity. I feel know shame in any of this, it's who I am.
So if someone tells you they want their last meal to be an Ethiopian cabbage dish from the Whole 30 menu, you know they can't be trusted.