Maybe we’re part of the minority, but we always kind of feel a bit bad when we chomp down on a gingerbread person. They have feeling and families, too, you know. According to a study commissioned by Dunkin’ Donuts, the way we tackle a gingerbread cookie says a lot about our personality.
The 2015 study found that, out of 500 survey respondents, 64 percent always go for the head when taking the first bite out of a gingerbread cookie. And interestingly enough, there’s some psychology behind this subconscious decision.
If you bite the head first, here’s what that means.
“If one chooses to bite the head first, it indicates an achievement-oriented individual, a natural leader, who won’t take no for an answer,” Dr. Alan Hirsch, Neurological Director of Chicago’s Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, told Delish on December 20th.
And the arms?
Besides the literal headstrong sorts who “won’t take no for an answer,” 16 percent of those who took the Dunkin’ survey said they start with the arms — however, which arm they choose first says something unique about them. Dr. Hirsch continued, “If the initial bite is the right hand, it reflects an individual who tends to be skeptical and pessimistic, while those who initially bite the left arm have a flair for creativity and are more extroverted.”
As for the legs…
And what about those 20% who hit the legs before anything else? According to Dr. Hirsch, they’re the types who “revel in the company of others.”
Or, perhaps, they’re simply monsters.
If you’re looking to avoid psychoanalyzing yourself and your family based on everyone’s gingerbread men-eating habits this holiday season, check out these brilliant Christmas cookie recipes that may help you feel a little less murderous.
For the chocolate lovers in your life:
Or, if you’re looking to bake something a bit outside of the box.
And fine — because what’s the holiday season without gingerbread?
Learn how to make a gingerbread house the So Yummy way below!
Remember, gingerbread can’t feel a thing.
