Rewards : Why?

I went to the dentist today to get fillings.

I didn’t cry.

I didn’t bite the dentist.

I deserved a reward.

So, I got myself a LARGE shake from McDonalds.

WHY?

Why did I think that my behavior deserved a reward? I’m a grown up. I’m almost 40 for goodness sakes. Do I really need a reward because I did what I was supposed to and went to the dentist to get my cavities filled. Let’s not mention the irony that I was eating chocolate after getting the cavities filled, which is probably what put them there in the first place.

What’s even more intriguing is that several of my Twitter friends said I deserved a reward or treat for going to the dentist. I obviously agreed with them. This just fascinates me. Is it an American thing? Are we the only culture that feels we must treat ourselves after a necessary (albeit unpleasant) task?

Then there is the fact that I rewarded myself with food. Not just food, sweet food. Would I have felt rewarded if I’d grabbed some almonds, which would have been a healthy treat. Um, nope! A reward is sweet. And, usually heavily caloric. That’s what makes it a reward.

Am I the only one intrigued by the phenomenon? I’m curious what you think.

Do you reward yourself with sweet treats? Why?

7 thoughts on “Rewards : Why?

  1. Girl, You should read the book I’m reading “Crave God, Not Food.” I’ve always been skeptical of “holy dieting books” but its helped me and motivated me so much in the department of why I’m an emotional eater and why I feel entitled to a treat for doing something. My newest thought when I start to go after something I think I’m entitled to but really shouldn’t, “I’m made for more than this.” By the way, I was never like this until I became a mom. I think there is a connection there for me somewhere. Good job at the dentist too! I’ve never met anyone that enjoys it. : )

    • Sounds like a good book Danielle! I love your thought.

      I do hate the dentist. What is it about that? I’m glad there are dentists though. Thankful for them. Just don’t like seeing them.

  2. When I saw your tweet you were rewarding yourself with a sweet treat, I thought the same thing – isn’t that counter productive of having gone to the dentist? But I didn’t comment, because lord knows I have “rewarded” myself with food all too often.
    I recently caught myself thinking about taking the kids to get an ice-cream as a reward for something they did. I thought “What is this teaching my kids regarding food? Am I not just passing on to my kids, my own struggles with food?” Food is fuel.
    I am searching for other ways to reward myself that DO NOT involve food.
    My advice – don’t beat yourself up about it, learn from it, don’t forget it, and move on.

    • Well, I would have laughed if you had responded to my tweet. Totally ridiculous behavior. LOL!

      Isn’t it intriguing how our food habits are so ingrained in us. Something more to work on.

      Thanks for commenting!

  3. I have to share this quote with you that a friend pinned on Pinterest and said he’s putting on his fridge. I think yo.u’ll get a kick: Do not reward yourself with food. You are NOT a DOG.
    Lol!!!!!
    That really struck a chord with me. Every time anyone is celebrating or needs rewarding for anything we do it with food. I told hubs we needed to find different ways to celebrate other than with just food. It’s really making us rethink rewards for ourselves and kids.

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