For years, I was that person who never checked the menu before dining out.

You know the type:

– Spontaneous
– Adventurous
– Perhaps a little reckless

I’d walk into a restaurant, sit down, and order whatever caught my eye first. But over time, I realized that this approach to dining was mirroring my approach to life: haphazard and unplanned.

Then, I stumbled upon a fascinating psychological study about the behaviors of people who always check the restaurant menu before dining out.

This discovery not only changed my dining habits but also gave me valuable insights into my own behaviors and choices.

In this piece, I will share these 7 behaviors that those ‘menu-checkers’ typically display according to psychology.

I hope you find these insights as fascinating and life-changing as I did. Let’s dive right in.

P.S: And no, there’s no need to be a professional editor or proofreader to appreciate these findings. All you need is an open mind and an appetite for understanding human behavior.

1) They are planners

It might not sound groundbreaking, but when you think about it, it’s a significant trait. These individuals don’t leave their dining experience to chance. They like to know what they’re walking into.

This is more than just knowing what’s on the menu. It’s about understanding the options available, the prices, even the ingredients used.

They approach their dining experience with a little forethought and strategy. It’s not about being controlling, but about being prepared.

And this planning extends beyond just dining out. It’s a trait that carries over into other aspects of their lives as well. They value preparation and dislike surprises; they find comfort in predictability.

Interestingly, according to psychology, this behavior points to a high level of conscientiousness – one of the Big Five personality traits known to psychologists.

So next time you’re going out for a meal, try it out: take a few minutes to check the menu first.

You might be surprised at how this small act can provide a sense of control and predictability to your dining experience, and possibly even other areas of your life.

2) They appreciate the value of time

I remember a particular incident when I was dining out with a friend who is a habitual “menu-checker”. We were at a bustling Italian restaurant, and waiting for our turn to order. While I was busy soaking in the ambiance, my friend was engrossed in the menu.

When the waiter finally came to our table, my friend swiftly placed her order while I was still fumbling with the choices. She had effectively used her prior ‘menu-checking’ time to make her decision, minimizing the pressure of on-the-spot decision-making.

This behavior made me realize that such individuals value their time and like to use it efficiently. They don’t want to spend unnecessary time pondering over what to eat when they are at the restaurant.

In fact, this reminded me of a famous quote by psychologist William James: “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” By checking the menu beforehand, they are effectively practicing this wisdom – deciding what to overlook and making an informed choice ahead of time.

This approach not only saves time but also reduces decision fatigue, a real psychological phenomenon where your quality of decisions deteriorates after a long session of decision-making.

So, next time you plan to dine out, remember to check the menu first. You might find it frees up more time to simply enjoy the dining experience and reduces your stress levels, too.

3) They are proactive in managing their health

I recall an instance when I was catching up with a health-conscious friend over dinner. Before we decided on a restaurant, he had already pulled up multiple menus on his phone, scanning through them meticulously.

Curious, I asked him why he was so intent on checking the menu beforehand. His reply was simple but profound: “I like to know what I’m putting into my body.”

He explained that by checking the menu beforehand, he could make healthier choices, select dishes that aligned with his dietary needs, and avoid any ingredients he was allergic to or simply didn’t prefer.

This behavior resonated with me. It showed me how making small changes, like checking a menu before dining out, could contribute to better health management.

From that day onwards, I started paying more attention to menus myself. It not only helped me make better food choices but also made me more conscious about my overall health and well-being.

So if you care about what you eat and how it affects your health, consider adopting this habit. It might seem like a small step, but its impact on your well-being can be significant.

4) They are less likely to overspend

I remember hearing about a study conducted by Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab that found people who check the menu beforehand tend to spend less money when dining out. Intrigued, I decided to test this finding myself.

During a family outing, I made a point to look up the restaurant’s menu before we left home. Having an idea of the prices and dishes available, I was better prepared and less likely to make impulsive, costly choices.

True enough, by the end of the evening, I realized that I had spent less than I usually would while dining out. I didn’t feel deprived or restricted. On the contrary, I felt more in control of my spending.

The study from Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab concluded that when people are aware of the prices beforehand, they are less likely to make impulsive and potentially expensive decisions.

So if you’re looking to be more mindful of your spending while still enjoying a meal out, consider checking the menu first. It might just help you strike a balance between satisfying your palate and keeping your wallet happy.

5) They are more likely to enjoy their meal

I experienced this first-hand during a date night with my partner. We decided to try a new sushi restaurant and I suggested we check the menu before heading out.

As we perused the menu from the comfort of our home, we found ourselves getting excited about the unique sushi rolls and sashimi platters. We were discussing what we would order, imagining the taste, and looking forward to trying something new.

By the time we got to the restaurant, we already knew what we wanted. Ordering was a breeze, and when our food arrived, it was just as we had imagined. We savored each bite, appreciating the flavors we had anticipated.

Checking the menu beforehand had not only streamlined our ordering process but also amplified our dining experience. The anticipation of knowing what to expect had enhanced our enjoyment of the meal.

So if you want to make your dining experience more enjoyable, give pre-checking the menu a go. It could turn your meal into an event to look forward to rather than just another task to get through.

6) They show signs of high self-efficacy

Another fascinating behavior I’ve noticed in people who always check the menu before dining out is their high level of self-efficacy.

Self-efficacy, a term coined by psychologist Albert Bandura, refers to an individual’s belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.

I recall a time when I was out with a colleague for a business lunch. She had already checked the menu and knew exactly what she wanted. It wasn’t just about the food; she was confident and assertive in her choices.

Her behavior reminded me of Bandura’s quote: “People with high assurance in their capabilities approach difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered rather than as threats to be avoided.”

And indeed, my colleague was masterful. Her preparedness allowed her to focus on the business discussion rather than getting distracted by the menu. This seemingly small act showed her confidence not just in choosing a meal, but in managing her life.

So, if you’re looking to boost your self-efficacy, consider adopting this habit of checking the menu before dining out. It might seem like a minor change, but its effects on your confidence could be profound.

7) They derive joy from anticipation

You might think that knowing what’s on the menu beforehand might take the surprise out of the dining experience. But in reality, it can actually enhance the overall enjoyment.

I remember planning a dinner at a fancy French restaurant for my partner’s birthday. Instead of keeping the menu a surprise, we decided to check it out together.

As we scrolled through the list of exotic dishes and fine wines, we found ourselves getting excited about our upcoming dinner date.

The anticipation of trying Coq au Vin for the first time, or savoring a glass of Beaujolais, made the actual dining experience even more enjoyable.

This behavior is backed by psychology: research shows that anticipation can be a powerful source of joy. Looking forward to an event often brings more happiness than the event itself.

So here’s a practical tip for you: The next time you’re planning to dine out, try checking the menu in advance.

Allow yourself to anticipate and imagine the meal. You might find that this simple act of anticipation elevates your dining experience to a whole new level of enjoyment.

Conclusion

Checking the menu before dining out is more than just a practical step; it’s a reflection of several beneficial behaviors.

From planning and time management to health consciousness and financial savvy, this simple habit can offer significant insights.

But remember, it’s not about being rigid or controlling. It’s about being prepared and making informed choices that enhance your dining experience.

So, give it a try. Next time you plan to dine out, take a few minutes to check the menu first. You might be surprised at how this small act can bring more enjoyment, ease, and control to your dining – and possibly even other areas of your life.

Bon Appétit!