Incompatible

Summary

Clarissa and Jeff, two individuals with unique food preferences, discover their idiosyncrasies about pickles and chocolate make them incompatible as a couple during a humorous and introspective exchange.

Abstract

In a light-hearted narrative, Clarissa and Jeff engage in a conversation to share peculiar habits with each other. Jeff reveals his preference for room-temperature pickles, defying the norm of refrigerating them, while Clarissa confesses to refrigerating chocolate to avoid getting it on her hands. Their quirky habits are put to the test when three judges declare them "Incompatible," suggesting that their individual preferences, though harmless, are deal-breakers in the context of a relationship. The story concludes with Clarissa and Jeff accepting the judgment and parting ways, making room for the next couple to explore their compatibility.

Opinions

Jeff's preference for non-refrigerated pickles is seen as unusual but acceptable, while Clarissa's cold chocolate storage is initially misunderstood as a preference for temperature rather than a practical solution to a personal aversion.
The use of a hotel bell to signal judgment from the three judges adds a touch of whimsy and finality to the assessment of Clarissa and Jeff's compatibility.
The story implies that seemingly trivial differences in personal habits can symbolize deeper incompatibilities in a relationship.
The judges' unanimous decision suggests that compatibility is a significant factor in relationships, and even small idiosyncrasies can be a basis for incompatibility.
The narrative humorously plays with the idea that what might seem like a quirky habit to one person could be a significant issue for another, affecting the potential for a relationship.

Pickles and chocolate

Clarissa looked across the table at Jeff, “So tell me a bizarre idiosyncrasy of yours.”

Jeff stroked his hairy chin as he looked up at the ceiling. He thought for a seemingly long time. Finally, he removed his hand from his chin and snapped his fingers, “I got it. I never refrigerate my pickles.”

“What?”

“I love a good dill pickle just like the next guy but I can’t stand it if it’s cold. So I never refrigerate my pickles. I have a big ole jar of pickles on my kitchen counter and whenever I’m in the mood for a pickle I just pop open the jar and snag a pickle. I prefer my pickles at room temperature.”

“That’s not too weird — I guess.”

“So tell me something weird about yourself.”

“Well, uh, don’t laugh but I keep all my chocolate in the refrigerator.”

“Cold chocolate. I can dig it. Sometimes I like to put a Snickers bar in the freezer. Man, that’s some good chewin’.”

“No, it’s not that I prefer the chocolate to be cold. I love chocolate but I can’t stand chocolate on my hands. If you open up a chocolate bar at room temperature and break off a piece with your hands you’ll get some melted chocolate on your fingers. I can’t stand that so I keep the chocolate cold so that you can break off pieces without getting chocolate on your hands.”

Just then a bell sounded. It was one of those little bells found on a hotel check-in counter to call for service.

Clarissa and Jeff looked to the side where the sound of the bell came from and where the three judges were seated. The first judge held up a sign which read, Incompatible. The second judge then held up a sign which also read, Incompatible. The third judge then also held up a sign which read, Incompatible.

Clarissa and Jeff then slowly got up from their table and left as the next couple sat down.