Levi is a salt and pepper man. Salt and pepper are important in all dishes of course but there are other spices that I would love to add to the dish. We could try some oregano, cumin, or maybe even some cayenne every now and again...even cinnamon mmmm. Nothing too spicy! I don't want to dump the whole jar in, but just a shake here and there.
Levis says, "But salt and pepper is so good, do we really need anything else?"
"Well, no, but it might be nice to try something new every once in a while?"
My attempts at adding some spice every so often has been met with a certain lack of enthusiasm. It makes one quite nervous to introduce any new spices to the dish. There have even been times that I have spent extra time and effort preparing the dish and I think Levi just wishes that we could stick to the salt and pepper.
So what is a wife to do? The salt and pepper is great, of course, but cannot be the only spice Levi ever wants to use, can it? I am a bit timid in talking about spices. I am blushing as we speak, in fact. He seems equally uninterested in speaking about possible spices we might both be interested in.
I am scared to mention that certain spices might interest me. What if Levi thinks I am aiming to be a master chef or something? What if he thinks I don't enjoy the salt and pepper anymore? What if he thinks I am a freak?...it's just oregano for goodness sake! But I am not sure that I could ever bring up spices again if he thought that or reacted badly.
I love salt and pepper, but when you have salt and pepper all the time things begin to taste the same. If you had to have the same dish every time then you wouldn't get too excited about it. I don't want Levi to think that I am tired of salt and pepper by any means, after all, I only want to enjoy these spices with Levi. How can I get him to understand that spices are a good thing? Any thoughts? I am slightly embarrassed that Levi and I can't seem to talk about spices very well after 14 years of marriage...is something wrong with us?
You sound pretty normal to me.....sometimes spices should be introduced one at a time, and a little at a time...then you know which you like or don't like...and how much to add. Find one you are most interested in...have a glass of wine...and talk to Levi...He might be very interested in certain spices. You are just talking,informing, discussing...you are not leading.
ReplyDeletehugs abby
I don't know why it is so scary...wine would probably definitely help. He hasn't seemed interested before in some of the spices I have suggested. They haven't even been very bold spices either. I'll keep trying I guess...just nervous:(
DeleteHey Bea...I agree with Abby...you sound normal to be also. See how Levi responds if you suggest just adding a pinch of one spice...a milder spice...maybe show him a 'recipe' that uses just a pinch of that particular spice. Make sure you let him know that if he tries that particular spice and doesn't care for it, you can finish the meal with salt and pepper. ;) Sending lots of positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Thank you Cat. I guess I always thought that he would be the one trying to introduce the spices. It just isn't how it is and I don't want him to think that I am weird or something. He just hasn't shown much interest in the spices I have mentioned so far. Wishing it was easier for me to talk to him about them.
DeleteBea
There is nothing wrong with you. There may however, be something wrong with me. I thought we were really talking about spices until halfway through this. ;). Ahem, I digress. Ryan and I have been married for fourteen years as well.... And I still get embarrassed talking about oregano...lol! I have found, the more talking we do, the easier it gets. Have a drink and talk. Send him an email or write him a letter. If all goes well y'all will be cooking before you know it :D
ReplyDeleteLOL Lucy! I figured the pictures might help. I just couldn't bring myself to be too specific:) A letter might be good...and a drink, definitely a drink. Maybe the letter wouldn't make me as nervous...trying to read his reaction and such and would give him time to think a moment before responding. I think I will try that. You would think after being together so long that we wouldn't be so embarrassed anymore:)
DeleteI'm with Lucy. I was too paragraphs in thinking that Levi has a really bland palette. Have a drink and just go for it. He probably has some spices he'd like to try too.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I put in the pictures to help with the metaphor...I just couldn't be specific as my face was on fire and all I was talking about was spices:) I have tried asking him if he has dreamed of using any particular spices and he has said no. The spices I have brought up he has reluctantly tried but then never mentioned again. Don't get me wrong, we use salt and pepper often, but just can't seem to get him to see that it might be fun.
DeleteI was with Lucy too when I started reading this lol. Great advice above and I agree, try suggesting adding a pinch of a mild spice to Levi and take it from there.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Roz
I will try...boy I am going to need some wine:)
DeleteLOL Bea, it took me a little while too...
ReplyDeleteWe have a similar problem. I'll wait for the other responses. ;)
:) I am glad you kept reading...I was afraid some people might start to read and not get and quit reading:) Glad I am not alone in the boat:)
DeleteI told Nick that in my reading of blogs and hearing so many different spices that others tried I couldn't help being curious. I asked him if he was willing to try a few things just to satisfy my curiosity. He was willing and now our 'spice box' overflows. I always asked these questions in emails, it was just easier for me.
ReplyDeleteBTW - when it comes to actual cooking, I like just salt and pepper!
His email is a work email, but I like the letter writing...I think I will try that. I would love an overflowing spice box...it just sounds fun and exciting.
DeleteLOL! Absolute staples for sure:)
We, too, have been married 14 years and still I think we are both shy of speaking of spices or salt and pepper for that matter. Sometimes in the dark of night or after a romantic night of salt and pepper we can talk - conversation usually always started by me...has not necessarily led to trying the suggestions but occasionally it has led to fun trying and even him sharing a particular spice he would like to try. Writing is also good when I wish to share something with him. We can't do email because his is connected to work - but I will write and place it somewhere I know he will see... I hope you get to try some fun spices soon. Right now I would be happy with just some pepper and salt.. :-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteI am sorry Terps, I know things have been bland in the spice department lately for you and I hurt for you, imagining how that must feel. I hope you are getting lots of salt and pepper soon! And any other spices you crave:) I am glad that I am not the only one that is shy around my husband:)
DeleteI will be back to read this again.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm finally back. I can't believe the number or women who thought you were talking about cooking for so far into the post. Ladies, please don't be offended with this question, but how often do you think of sex? As a guy I think about it often and I am wondering if that is why I read "sex" into the post so quickly. Are we that far apart in how present a role sex plays in or gender beings? I already know how the conversation with Levi turned out so I won't give any advice there. Good going on that, Bea.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan, that is an interesting question and I hope you get some answers...I will say that I have gone entire days without thinking about it and then there are days that I can't stop thinking about it. Levi has said that there is not a day that goes by that he hasn't thought about it. That would be an interesting survey question.
DeleteBea