Airport Quote by Scott Stossel
“When I was 5 and my sister was 3, we went on a family trip, and she ate cheese off the floor at an airport. My mother, a germaphobe, got very upset. My sister, of course, got a stomach virus, and ever since then, I have an aversion to cheese.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Germaphobe" in The Atlantic, 2015
A childhood incident linking disgust and illness created a lasting aversion to cheese, illustrating how early experiences shape preferences.
In simple terms: Early disgust can cause lasting food aversions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question irrational aversions.
Themes
psychology
food
development
family
health
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
personal
anecdotal
When to use this quote
- family travel
- food choices
- health anxieties
- parental influence
Key Concepts
conditioned response
gust theory
memory
behavioral conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your aversion?
- Can you safely re‑expose yourself to cheese?
A Different Perspective
Aversion may be exaggerated; rational evaluation can reduce fear.
