“Secrets, Secrets are no fun… unless you share them with everyone.”
It’s about time I come out and tell everyone about the secret relationship I’ve been in for a while now. Don’t be too shocked Mom, Dad, and all of you reading this, but for the past six years of my life, I have been in a healthy, loving relationship with Chipotle. Yes, this is the name of a popular restaurant frequented by advocates of burritos and guacamole, but I know the love I feel is much more than just a fling.
Our relationship started as any proper relationship should. We were the typical kids who hated each other in the beginning. I still remember my first encounter with Chipotle. I went with my family when I was about 10 years old, deep into my fat stage, and naturally, I had a particularly picky appetite. I immediately despised the spicy chicken that entered my mouth and I thought I would never have to deal with Chipotle again. Little did I know about the feelings that would blossom just a few short years later.
As I entered the high school world, I had grown in more ways than one. My growth spurt happened, and my taste buds developed as well. Despite my awkward braces-filled face and dorky sense of humor, I bravely tried to hang out with Chipotle once more. Walking into Chipotle’s home, I ordered a spicy chicken burrito from the generous servers awaiting my order. Just as I changed, Chipotle had done the same. Let me tell you, he was hot! I frequented Chipotle a few more times before we became official, and from then, it’s been nothing but burrito bowls and pinto beans. When I was assigned to write a sonnet for English class freshman year, I had no qualms deciding what to write about. (Side note about reading sonnets: every other line rhymes except for the last two, which rhyme with each other.)
Below, I have included the poem that affirmed our love for each other:
Ode to Chipotle, My Love
Chipotle, such a nice place to eat at,
The sound of it is so satisfying.
Walking inside does not make you go “drat”.
When I say this, I am not lying.
Craving a packed tortilla makes one thrilled!
Do not order guac, cause it's one eighty.
Sipping ice-cold water makes you chilled,
If you do, prepare to feel so crazy.
Lime-flavored chips are quite a luxury.
Mexican workers make my heart beat fast.
Eating there, one always feels so cheery.
When leaving, remember do not be last.
One will never want to forget the time
A Chipotle dinner was in its prime.
Relationship experts say most high-school relationships end when college begins, but college has done nothing other than strengthen our deep connection. I have been blessed with great friends who encourage this passionate endeavor. We always visit Chipotle together, occasionally splurging to add chips and salsa to the mix! While my wallet and waistline seem to oppose, the relationships that last are almost always the ones that undergo strife and opposition.
For the past few months, I have been immersing myself in European culture while attempting to keep my grades from dropping too low, so as not to disappoint my parents eagerly awaiting my arrival at home. While living the dream of studying abroad has been beyond extraordinary, the one thing I miss most is my dear sweet Chipotle. Luckily, this modern age the World Wide Web has allowed for proper communication between loved ones across oceans and time zones, but there is nothing quite like the warm embrace of a foil-wrapped individual. Four months is quite a long time to be apart from something that gives you an inexpressible joy such as Chipotle does.
Warning! The following details may seem graphic. I want you to think of your favorite moment of your spicy and savory relationship. This may include just holding your loved one before you unwrap its silver clothing. Letting the rice slide slowly down your throat after you take the first bite is a delicate process. If you’re feeling especially reminiscent, I suggest you consider a deep gaze into the bite marks of the tortilla and consider the half empty feeling in your stomach before you’ve fully invested in the long haul. Remember to treat your lover with care and concern in every step of the relationship. Both parties should be considered… and it’s never inconsiderate to go back for seconds.
To all of you experiencing separation anxiety from significant others back in the States, don’t fear, the semester is almost over, and we will all be reunited soon enough with our loved ones!
