Are You Hungry?

Just the other day, a friend stopped by unexpectedly and ended up staying for dinner.

After almost two hours of uninterrupted conversation, I served dinner, which I’d prepared almost invisibly while we were talking. It was simple fare – baked fish and steamed asparagus. But oh, was it delicious.

Did I mention it was also 8:45 p.m.?

Photo © Erin – TwoMoreSeconds

When my friend raved about the savory flavors and then looked shocked at the simplicity of the preparations, I joked that my mother always said, "If you want your guests to love what you serve, make sure they’re starving by the time they eat it!"

And then, only a few days later, an article on Huff Post appeared, backing up my mother’s wisdom.

For what do you hunger?

My sense is that this applies to lots of other things – far beyond just food and drink.

So if we want people to love what we’re serving, make sure they’re hungry. The trick is figuring out the areas in which people tend to starve – or at least "forget" to feed themselves. Sometimes it’s obvious. Sometimes it’s not.

And beyond that? Even though they may be starving, if we’re going to take the time to feed them, I figure it doesn’t hurt to make sure we’re providing something delectable. And yes, even something as simple as a hug or a meaningful glance can feel like a sumptuous meal if given and received at just the right moment.

So tell me: What are YOU hungry for? And more importantly, how may I serve you?

© Fred Hsu – Creative Commons license