You wouldn’t think that popcorn could be a divisive issue, but believe me, it can be. I love to go to the movies, and I love movie popcorn, but over the years, I’ve developed a strict rule about the consumption of said popcorn. The Ingrid Thoft popcorn rule is that you can’t start eating it until the main attraction begins. Not when the lights go down. Not when the previews begin. Not even when the opening credits come on the screen telling you that Paramount or MGM produced the film. I wait until the moment the movie starts.
When and why did this rule come about? I can’t pinpoint when it started, but as long as I can remember, this has been my stance on popcorn at the movies. The why is a little more obvious: The movie itself is such a special event that I want its beginning to be heralded, not just by the opening chords of the soundtrack, but also by that first bite of buttery, salty deliciousness.
I know it sounds rather strict, but the good news is that my movie-going companions are not required to follow my rule. In fact, I have one friend who enjoys placing her bag of popcorn under my nose during the previews in an attempt to lure me to the dark side. The interesting thing I’ve found, however, is that some people adopt the rule voluntarily and then never go back. They, too, have experienced the satisfying ritual of true movie popcorn.
What about all of you? Popcorn or not (my hubby opts for Twizzlers)? Wait or dig in?
