Aimee Bender, in her collection "The Color Master: Stories," reflects on the peculiarities of human preferences through the lens of seemingly mundane choices, like eating apples. The quote highlights a sense of discomfort in encountering individuals who do not share common tastes or connections to everyday things, suggesting that such differences can feel disorienting or alienating. It captures the essence of how food, a fundamental part of culture and identity, fosters relationships and shared experiences.
This observation opens up a broader conversation about the significance of food in our lives. Apples, a simple fruit, symbolize familiarity and comfort, and not partaking in them could indicate deeper differences in lifestyle, beliefs, or experiences. Bender's commentary points to the larger narrative of connection and disconnection in human relationships, reflecting on how shared practices, even as ordinary as eating, can help define our interactions with others.