I never thought my wife would ever like Tunisian food.  
When I met her, her spice tolerance was practically zero. Back when we were dating it wasn't really an issue we ate out most of the time. But the moment we moved in together and I assumed my role as the household's primary cook, the problem became obvious real fast.  
She wouldn't like my cooking too spicy. And I wouldn't like hers every time she made white rice, my taste buds were filing a formal complaint and begging for survival.  
The only way out was compromise. Which, at this point, is basically the foundation of our entire relationship.  
So I started secretly slipping in small teaspoon-sized amounts of harissa into my dishes. Meanwhile I convinced her to add "just a little" spice to her beloved white rice. Slowly but surely, things worked out.  
My wife is Persian. Iranian food is honestly delicious meat, veggies, rice, beautifully done. But spicy? Not even close. It leans more sweet than hot.  
Yesterday I got a text from her while I was at work. Made me chuckle.

***"Habibi… Kosksi w buttermilk (L'ben)?"***

I started making the sauce the second I got off work. It was coming along beautifully, until I opened the pantry and realized I was completely out of kosksi.  
*Oh fuck.*  
Plan B: Nwasser. And honestly? It worked out great.  
She still can't eat a jalapeño to save her life. But a few spoonfuls of harissa? Totally fine now. And me? I've made peace with the occasional white rice with salt and turmeric.

**Growth.**

Food Journal Ep2 - Nwasser