Last Bite-itus: A Chromosomal Affliction of the Double X

I just got home from a bridal shower that my office threw for a coworker (and friend!) who is leaving the company to be with her new husband in a small town in the frozen north. I hope her day was as fabulous as she is. But as I sit I reflect on the day and watch the cursor blink I remember what I wanted to write about today.

Last Bite-itus.

A few years ago now a friend and I were at Applebees having a girls' night dinner. We decided after our meal that we would share a dessert. We of course chose that giant delicious lava cake thing with the chocholate and icecream and hot fudge. As the cake began to grow closer to its demise my subconscience began to warn me. "Stop," it said. "Danger." We ate until only one bite remained. And then we both put our spoons down and looked at each other. There was still a sizable morsel on the plate but we just locked eyes almost questioningly; wondering who might take the last bite. Finally my friend said to me, "Why do women always do this with the last bite!?" And just as we were discussing the probabilities of the nature versus nurture elements of her question the waiter swooped in and took the plate. We of course started to laugh as a somewhat bewildered Applebees employee carried the evidence of our curse to the kitchen.

What is it about women that makes us push away the plate and offer the last bit to the other person? My ever positive friend says it's in our nature to give nourishment to others and it goes against our nature to take the last of something. I think I probably agree with her. But then, it's not a curse then is it? It is part of the beautiful gift of being a woman.

A more pessimistic person might say that it's something in society that makes us do this. It is not socially acceptable to take the last bit. We don't want to appear selfish. We don't want to take more than our share.

In any case, I know my mom never said to me, "Now Sara. When it gets to the last bite, don't eat it. Leave it stagnant and alone even if you are dying to eat it because if you have the last bite you will appear selfish to those around you. Oh dear, and when the waiter comes to take away the source of your inner turmoil, you will thank him! Isn't that lovely?"

Ever since that night I always seem to notice when women are leaving the last for someone else. It always makes me smile. It has become the favorite inside joke of my relationship with this friend and even though we poke fun at it whenever we eat a meal together it is there beneath the surface.

Next time you are out, check it out. What do you think; is it a blessing or a curse?