Whenever the topic of McDonald’s comes up in a conversation with friends, I hear phrases like “that’s gross” or “I could never eat that.” I sit and listen to the complaints, but all the while, I’m thinking about how soon I could potentially eat my next Big Mac.
These days, it’s not popular to like McDonald’s; everyone is moving toward the healthier fast food chains. Although those places are good too, nothing tastes like home as much as a number one meal from McDonald’s. I openly admit it--I’m slightly obsessed with McDonald’s, but I’m not at all ashamed.
Like most 90’s kids, I basically grew up with McDonald’s. McDonald’s was the quick, frequent dinner option after gymnastics lessons when I was young. That's when my love for it began--sitting at the booth and ripping open my kid's meal was like a second Christmas to me.
There’s nothing like being in a car for hours on a long road trip and spotting those gleaming golden arches on the side of the road, calling your name. In a foreign airport where nothing looks familiar, the golden arches are a familiar comfort. Face it--they have been there since day one, and they're still there.
Fast-forward to college, where getting dinner at McDonald’s is the highlight of my night. There’s absolutely no better taste than those thin, salty french fries and that heavenly, mysterious Big Mac sauce that nobody knows the secrets of. You know what? I don’t care what it is. It’s delicious. And I can’t get enough.
Do I even have to mention the breakfast? McDonald's breakfast is one of the greatest things on this earth. There's really no better way to start your day than with a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit alongside a crispy hash brown. No other fast food place comes remotely close to comparing with McDonald's breakfast.
One of the things I like about McDonald’s is the consistency. I know what kind of food I’m going to get, regardless of the town the McDonald’s is in. Also, there’s no confusion about the menu, like at some other places, and I know I’ll like what I order. After I order, I know it will only take about three to five minutes until I have every inch of the greasy food in my hands. For an extremely impatient person like me, that’s important. I like having my food right away. Plus, I can eat a number one Big Mac meal in a minimum of five minutes.
That’s one of the main reasons why fast food has a special place in my heart--it’s fast. No waiting for a table, no waiting for a server, no waiting for the bill. Speed is important on busy school nights when I don’t have a ton of time to eat. So, to all of my friends who make fun of me for eating at McDonald’s and choose other places instead--have fun waiting.
I’ve tried to talk myself out of my obsession with McDonald’s and try other fast food places, but nothing tastes the same. I try to convince myself that the fries at Wendy’s taste better, but they really don’t.
I’m not going to be one of those people who pretends not to like McDonald’s in front of people and then pig out on it privately. Most of my friends know about my obsession, and I don’t care how crazy I sound when I say it’s one of my favorite restaurants. You can tell me it’s not healthy and that "it’s not real food," but I’m a college student, and if the $6.67 Big Mac meal makes me happy after finals week, then leave me alone.
So, you know what? If a number six meal with an extra side of fries makes you happy, you go girl, because there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
