food, art, ketchup and psychology

watching television the other night, i saw something that made me wonder. the show was about expressing oneself artistically and what meanings can be derived from that expression — what secrets are revealed about a person through one's artwork.

as this is a foodblog, i thought about something similar to tie it in. does the way we arrange our food say something about our personalities? do you bother to take time to arrange things artistically or thoughtfully [everyday, or at least more often than not] to make things appetizing or do you just throw things on a plate? does placing things nicely make you feel better or say something about you? or do you save it for special occasions? does it even matter to you?

i think it does.

apparently, so does a certain psychologist [this is to be taken lightly and is purely for fun!]:

*If you want to learn the more about a person, look no further than how they pour their ketchup. From dippers and squirters, to sprinklers and smotherers, psychologist Donna Dawson has identified seven "sauciological" types.

*Those who dunk into a well of ketchup are methodical and trustworthy. But they may also be control freaks who are afraid of change. Ambitious people splodge their sauce in the middle of their food. Creative types squirt and swirl their sauce in thin lines. But deep down they are impatient and do not tolerate fools or time wasting. Those who dot their ketchup are friendly, but live conservatively and dream of adventure holidays. Smotherers are the life and soul of the party, while artists who draw faces and words on their food have an easy-going approach to life. And gourmets who keep ketchup in a cruet appear charming, but deep down may be snobbish social charmers.

fact or fiction? who knows. i thought it was amusing.

also from the same site the above was quoted, read the fascinating history about ketchup! some more here, too.

also take a look at all the different kinds of ketchup packets at the condiments packet museum. [the things you find on the internet ;p].

i don't know about you but i love ketchup! also don't know about going through 3 bottles a year though, as the article contends. here are some other ketchups from around the world.

look at some nonfood uses for ketchup.

lastly, don't spill it on you or have a disaster next time you open it. learn the right way to do it.