"When you're out with clients or colleagues, the last thing you want is your food becoming the center of attention. Spicy dishes, though tempting, can be unpredictable. Even if you typically handle heat well, the interpretation of "medium hot," "hot," or "very hot" isn't universal across restaurants - and a spicy dish at a new spot could leave you struggling to recover."
"Watery eyes, an overheated, red face, a runny nose, and the hiccups are all natural reactions to consuming overly spicy food. While none of these reactions are unusual, they do have the potential to interrupt important business conversations and make it difficult to maintain your usual professional composure. When you're focused on cooling your mouth - or stuffing it full of some starchy side to temper the heat - it's impossible to actively participate in the conversation, making spicy foods better avoided."
Avoid ordering spicy dishes during business lunches and dinners because spice levels vary between restaurants and can unexpectedly intensify, causing discomfort and distraction. Physical reactions such as watery eyes, flushed face, runny nose, and hiccups can interrupt conversations and undermine professional composure. Focusing on cooling the mouth or consuming starchy sides prevents active participation in discussions. Choose balanced, familiar, and flavorful options like grilled entrées, roasted vegetables, or classic pasta to stay relaxed and attentive. Business meals prioritize relationship-building, networking, and clear communication, not demonstrations of spice tolerance.
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