This is Like That
A Metaphor Game...and a Best Friend's Bravery
My friend, Lateka will frequently say “Of course, you’re doing that” whenever I do a very characteristically “Jesie” thing. One of the ways I can count on getting that reaction from her is when I suggest we make something into a game. She often likes it, she just doesn’t always enjoy it at first. And, I think that’s often the case with play.
So here is a little game we made up one summer that I’d like to share with you. And I think it’s going to add a lot to your life, or at least entertain you for a few minutes.
The game is “This is Like That” and the idea is that you take either a situation or a food/meal and you reverse engineer what it is through metaphor.
For example, Lateka could say, “What is a Costco hotdog?” and I would say “A Costco hotdog is like when you make a flippant joke that’s a little bit mean, about your partner in a group of friends that gets a laugh.” Because at first, it’s funny, immediate gratification. It’s a cheap buy, but you’re going to regret it later, because of the potential hurt in your relationship, but also the inevitable gas and acid reflux. It leaves you asking yourself “Was that worth it?”
So now that you understand the game, here are some other food/life metaphors I think work.
Well-seasoned egg salad is like when you meet with a colleague and get a lot accomplished, but also enjoy just a bit of pleasantries.
A beautiful roasted chicken is like when you share with your best friends about what you’re really proud to be accomplishing in therapy.
The chalky butter mints at a restaurant host stand are like when a creepy supervisor casually compliments all of your outfits and you say “thanks” just to make the interaction end.
The Love Is Blind reunion special hosted by Vanessa and Nick Lachey is a frozen chocolate eclair from a cheap grocery store that has not been thawed completely before you bit into it. It’s dessert, but is it really?
Homemade chicken and dumplings is your parent telling you they “love every single thing about you.”
A really good, chewy, salty peanut butter cookie is like finding out the person you’ve just started dating is a really phenomenal kisser.
Getting a tax refund is like eating perfectly crisp french fries that are the exact right temperature.
Going to the wedding of a couple you deeply love is like having your favorite burger when you visit one of the only states in which they are served. A moment in time, and so so special.
A Nature Valley granola bar is having your own career mansplained to you by a guy who took a weekend course. Inconvenient, messy, often stale, and likely to continue to piss you off whenever you find residual crumbs.
Having someone express romantic interest in you when you just want to be friends is like eating oversalted mashed potatoes.
As a side note on this beautiful friend of mine, this week she completes a long chapter in her career and sets out in bravery, believing in herself and taking the best risk a human can take-a risk on themself. So if you see her, know her, love her, let her know how she is like a perfectly al dente fettuccini alfredo….perfectly cooked, a bit of bite for texture, and oh so creamily decadent and nourishing.
What are some metaphors that come to your mind? Better yet, what are some games like this that you love to play? Best yet, how does play currently exist in your life?
Homemade Biscuits and gravy is like lazy Sunday mornings with wifey. Both of us in sweats or shorts and our most comfy t shirts listening to music and just vibing. It's warm fulfilling and even though it may seem simple it takes time and effort to get it just right. Love the post,Sis.