What’s for Lunch?

There is a lot of walking traffic through the cafeteria on the 17^th floor (where I work). There are four radio stations: WPLJ, WABC, ESPN, and Radio Disney located on the floor. It is located in front of the main entrance for the floor. That probably is a factor. When you decide to eat lunch in the cafeteria you have to prepare yourself to answer the question, “What’s for lunch?” It isn’t a horrible question to ask. It is mostly done with good intentions, mostly.

What else would you say if you walked in on someone eating lunch? It just makes sense to ask a person what they are eating when they are eating it. Maybe you are hungry and you are undecided about what to eat. Maybe it is an icebreaker with an office crush. Maybe it is just something to say instead of being quiet and awkward.

You tell them what you are eating while trying to avoid spitting your food out. Mind your manners and don’t talk with your mouth full. There isn’t a time limit to answer this brain buster so do all of us a favor and chew your food.

After you tell your curious co-worker what you are stuffing your face with, be prepared for the follow-up. If you are one of the lucky ones the focus off the conversation will switch over to another exciting topic like the weather.

You aren’t that lucky.

Your co-worker stops, stares and says, “What’s in that?” Be ready to rattle off the magical ingredients that make up your meal. Choose your next words wisely because if it is something your co-worker doesn’t like you will definitely get a look of pure disgust. Depending on the person the look of disgust might be followed with, “Oh. I don’t like that.” Well that is great to hear. Guess what, you don’t have to eat it. Surprise! It’s for me. I didn’t offer you any or ask your opinion on whether my lunch fancies your taste buds.

I’m going to start lying about what I’m eating. Totally make up something completely ridiculous and keep a straight face. Next time someone asks me, “What’s for lunch?” I might say any of the following: a quail bacon ranch hero with mozzarella, cow testicle soup, a pheasant panini, or worst of all street meat!    

The next time someone asks you, “What’s for lunch?” make up something wild. I know I will.