I want to be adventurous when it comes to food. I try to taste everything with an open mind, I really do. but no matter how much my mind WANTS to eat something, sometimes my body just refuses to cooperate.

One day, while we were in a neighboring village in Spain called Polientas - a very nice Spanish man generously handed us green olives wrapped in sardines.

oh man.

I’m not a fan of either of those things (and I want DESPERATELY to like olives - I keep trying them every 3 months hoping my tastes have changed)

I tried. I really did - but that ‘ol gag reflex of mine was not letting me swallow.

It’s the worst thing. I would have given anything to just get it down.

The same thing happened again with a big piece of blood sausage. I just couldn’t do it. I was so fearful that my reaction would be taken as a sign of disrespect so I spit it into a napkin as discreetly as possible.

Anyone have any tips for getting over this?

M