"My girlfriend grew up on a farm and had to fend for herself and a sibling a great deal, especially around preparing meals. Somewhere along the line, she became an adult who over-purchases food and prepares quantities of it fit for an army, even when it's just the two of us. She is constantly stressed about using up groceries and leftovers before they spoil, but this doesn't seem to reduce"
"I grew up with a hoarder parent who functioned in much the same way, and I carry a lot of guilt around food waste, especially meat. Working in other people's homes over many years has made me excellent at grocery planning and meal prep. I shop seasonally and with a plan for every item. I make simple, healthy meals, and leftovers are reasonable and quickly consumed."
A partner with a farm upbringing over-purchases food and routinely prepares oversized quantities, causing stress about waste and costly habits like brewing a full 12-cup pot for two. Another partner has experience with hoarding dynamics and professional grocery- and meal-planning skills, shops seasonally, and produces reasonable leftovers. The mismatch pressures overeating, guilt, and conflict over healthy choices and future cohabitation. When the over-purchasing partner voices stress about waste, offer to help with concrete grocery- and meal-planning strategies while emphasizing care and proposing clear responsibilities or compromises to avoid resentment.
Read at Slate Magazine
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