The first time I ate durian, I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to like it. In fact, I had never even heard of durian before. I was simply offered some, I tried it, and I thought it was delicious. I didn’t even notice the smell or at least it didn’t bother me.

I have since come to learn that durian has a bad reputation for its strong odor and unique taste. Having eaten and smelled a lot of it since that first time, I now understand. As much as I enjoy eating this strange fruit from Southeast Asia, I wouldn’t want my house or vehicle to smell like it for any extended period of time.

I think knowing nothing about durian actually helped me get past its less desirable attributes. The first time I tried it, I was at my favorite Thai restaurant at the time. I had just finished my lunch and I ordered mango sticky rice for dessert.

The waitress, who knew me as a regular customer, asked me if I would be interested in trying something new. Not a shy eater, I asked her what it was. She told me it was durian sticky rice and that I might not like it. It wasn’t on the menu and I think it was just something the staff ate amongst themselves.

I told her I would like to try it. She asked if I was sure and I told her I was. At this point, I was starting to get a little nervous. She seemed hesitant and I couldn’t help but to wonder why.

She brought out the dish, set it on the table, and took a step back, waiting for me to try it. I took a bite and she stared at me expectantly. It was good, very different from mango, but I liked it. I told her as much and she seemed shocked. I think she was ready to take it away and replace it with mango sticky rice if I hated it, but I reassured her that it was fine and I continued eating it.

Relieved and surprised, waitress then went back into the kitchen. When she came back, she had the owner with her. In a state of disbelief, the owner asked me if I liked the durian. I told her it was good. She was equally as surprised and delighted as the waitress. Apparently, I wasn’t supposed to like durian, but I didn’t know it.

I’m sure there is a lesson in all of this. Perhaps it is not to let other people’s prejudices or preferences dissuade you from trying something new. Maybe it’s simply that different people like different things. I’m not sure, but I’m reminded of the first book I ever read as a child, Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. I’m sure Dr. Seuss knows what the lesson is.