Easy Vinaigrette - Appreciate the Contrasts

Just today a friend was sharing a story about how she is happily dating a “new” guy. “It’s been a couple of months” she says. She tells me how sexy and handsome he is. He’s nice, generous, and available. Oh goody this all sounds great! “But…..” she says. Ok here it comes…. He is right-wing and tends to be somewhat negative and politically angry she explains. All things she is not.

So what do I tell her? Well here is my take on it: she is experiencing what I like to call the “oil and vinegar contrast”. Oil and vinegar are clearly different and separate entities. In fact when placed in the same container you can see each one maintains its own space. However if you add some spice and shake it up really well these seemingly separate ingredients will temporarily emulsify and go together perfectly and deliciously!

My advice to my friend is to see the beauty in the differences between her and the new guy. Accept and appreciate him for who he is and know you will both have your own identities. Never shy away from the chance to practice tolerance and to see things from another person’s point of view. The contrasts we encounter in life can be our greatest teachers and will surely propel us forward. Remember, life is tastier when we add spice and shake it up!

Easy Vinaigrette – By Diane Abraham

½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1-2 tsp honey (optional)

Juice of ½ lemon

Place all the ingredients in a sealable container. Shake and serve.