The pomegranate test!

Just a quick laugh, mostly tongue in cheek but perhaps also a little too true. Do you want to know exactly how much you love your guy, then offer to peel and de-seed a pomegranate for him!  I love pomegranates and it has become a tradition for my guy and I to enjoy them at this time of year.  But truly, standing in the kitchen de-seeding a pomegranate is like going through all the phases of dating and a relationship in the time it takes to prepare one!  You start off looking at it, admiring its rosy colour, its soft roundness, wondering where it came from and how it made its journey to you.  You cut into it and it sprays sweet juice all over the counter and your hands, giving you a chance to slowly lick your fingers and taste its promise.  And then the work begins.  You peel back the first layers of skin, exposing the seeds, but somehow you are always on the wrong side of the row.  You have to turn it around, and push them out with your fingers.  You start to get a rhythm only to come across a particularly thick-skinned area.  You start to get frustrated, wondering why you ever started.  You try not to glance at the other half sitting on the counter waiting its turn.  You back starts to twinge standing on the tile floor.  You recommit and keep at it.  You just focus on finding the right way to peel it.  One half done and you pick up the other piece.  You have learned how this one is set up and know where to attack the rows first.  This half seems easier; it is more familiar.  You don’t notice the time you are expending and somehow your back eases.  The bowl is starting to look full and you feel a sense of satisfaction at your progress.  You remember why you started, why you wanted to share it with your guy.  You are in the home stretch suddenly and you start to anticipate sharing the bowl together, your hands covered in a familiar sweet stickiness now, the bowl overflowing with promise.  You rinse your hands to say you are done.  Put two spoons in the bowl and walk to the living room to share the pomegranate, a smile on your face.  And you know you love him when he insists you take the first delicious spoonful.