As I took a sip of the soup, my lips barely grazed the spoon, I tried to see if anyone was watching me.
I was visiting Russia as part of a college study abroad program (privet!), and the hotel served us Borscht. For breakfast.
Soup or not, beets just were not my thing.
I successfully dodged these ruby dirtballs for a few more years until I was out at dinner with friends. Even though I wasn’t a fan, I scooped some on my plate in an effort to avoid looking like the person who would rather be eating chicken tenders at Applebee’s.
So I tried beets again. And…
I liked them.
Roasting the beets gave them a nicer texture, and paired with soft goat cheese, beets became one part of a delicious combo.
Time and again this truth has been revealed to me: people aren’t that great at predicting what they like.
We like to think we know ourselves and make intentional choices, but I’m still shocked by just how often we surprise ourselves.
Maybe you just know you’re going to hate your brother’s new girlfriend, but she actually seems okay. Or you finally landed your dream job, but it’s weird how you hate every project you’re assigned.
And of course, sometimes, your preferences are firm. You really do hate anchovies or pickles or curry (so sad on that last one).
But I continue to surprise myself in big ways and small. When I moved to Los Angeles, it was with hesitation, but when I left, it was with tears.
I actually find this reassuring. You might not dislike something you currently dread as much as anticipated, and you can find some levity in knowing even the good things might work out differently than you imagine.
In a world of uncertainty (I’m sorry I had to say it), it’s nice knowing you can surprise even yourself.
To being better without missing out on beets,
Elizabeth