The shelves of the candy aisle, a kaleidoscope of colorful wrappers and sugary promises, rarely offer a beacon as steadfast, as universally comforting, and as enduringly satisfying as this. For decades, long before the complexities of adult relationships or the bittersweet realities of health journeys, one particular confectionery held an undisputed, unshakeable reign over my affections. Today, my thoughts turn to this humble yet mighty masterpiece: Reese’s. My oldest love.
This isn’t just about a chocolate and peanut butter cup; it’s a nostalgic journey, a humorous confession, and a testament to the profound, sometimes absurd, comfort found in a simple indulgence. It’s a review not just of a candy, but of its unexpected role as a constant companion through life’s shifting landscapes.
The Original Comfort: A Childhood Constant in a Shifting World
My love affair with Reese’s began in childhood, an era marked by its own unique challenges. Growing up in West Texas, in a chaotic home environment, and later navigating the profound emotional turbulence of being “different” (biracial, gay, overweight) in a small, conservative town, life often felt unpredictable and overwhelming. In that landscape, where emotional security was often elusive, Reese’s offered a perfect, reliable antidote.
- A Consistent Pleasure: Unlike unpredictable family dynamics or the confusing signals of burgeoning identity, Reese’s was a constant. That perfect ratio of creamy peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate, the distinctive ridged cup—it was a predictable delight, a small, self-contained moment of bliss I could always count on. In a childhood where basic comfort sometimes felt scarce, a Reese’s was a small, tangible piece of happiness.
- An Accessible Escape: Food, as I’ve previously explored, became an escape, a coping mechanism for trauma and loneliness. And within that, Reese’s held a special, uncomplicated place. It wasn’t the complex emotional burden of a home-cooked meal; it was pure, unadulterated, immediate satisfaction, a simple pleasure accessible with pocket change.
This early, innocent love established Reese’s as more than just candy; it was a symbol of reliable comfort, a small anchor in a turbulent childhood.
The Unsung Hero: My Weight Stabilizer (Yes, Really.)
Now, for the slightly more… unconventional confession. As someone who has navigated a lifelong struggle with weight, peaking at 428 pounds at age 16 before undergoing gastric bypass surgery (a journey I’ve candidly discussed in my “Wildcard Wanderings”), the idea of any candy being a “weight stabilizer” sounds utterly ludicrous. And frankly, it is. But hear me out.
After gastric bypass, my body’s relationship with food profoundly shifted. The constant hunger vanished, and the volume of food I could consume drastically reduced. The rapid weight loss was, at times, alarming. In this new metabolic landscape, the occasional indulgence in a Reese’s served a peculiar, almost counter-intuitive, purpose.
- A Source of Caloric Density: In moments where maintaining a healthy weight became challenging due to extreme fullness or lack of appetite (a common side effect of the surgery, compounded by simply “seldom eating” due to lack of funds or time in college), a Reese’s offered a small, calorically dense, and palatable way to get some necessary intake without feeling overwhelmed. It was a strategic, if unconventional, tool.
- Preventing Further Rapid Loss: While it sounds absurd to suggest candy prevents weight loss, for someone experiencing too rapid a drop, or struggling to meet caloric needs from other sources, a small, enjoyable, high-fat/sugar treat could, paradoxically, contribute to maintaining a more stable weight by providing easy calories. It was not a health food, by any stretch, but a curious part of a complex dietary puzzle.
So, yes, it’s true: it causes constipation and is fattening. This is not a health endorsement! But in my very specific, post-bariatric, weight-loss-so-rapid-I-needed-skin-removal context, Reese’s had a weird, specific utility. It was a bizarre, yet sometimes necessary, part of my journey.
The Enduring Charm: Why It Outshines the Finer Things
Even now, having cultivated a refined palate for gourmet food (my love for the bacon risotto at Cremona Bistro Kitchen in Dallas is eternal!), and appreciating the nuances of fine dining, Reese’s holds its ground. It’s not competing with a meticulously crafted dessert; it’s providing a different kind of satisfaction.
- Uncomplicated Joy: In a world filled with complex challenges, from navigating relationships (with their “exit signs”) to battling cancer, Reese’s offers an uncomplicated, accessible joy. There’s no performance required, no nuanced interpretation needed. Just pure, unadulterated peanut butter and chocolate bliss.
- Nostalgic Resonance: It connects me to a simpler time, to childhood memories, and to a consistent comfort that few other things can provide. It’s a direct line to a fundamental part of my personal history.
- The Perfect Balance: For all its simplicity, the flavor profile of a Reese’s is iconic for a reason. The salty-sweet perfection of peanut butter married with chocolate is a universally satisfying combination. It’s a triumph of flavor balance in miniature.
Reese’s, my friends, is more than just candy. It’s a testament to the enduring power of simple comforts, the surprising ways we find solace, and the often-humorous journey of living a very complex life. It has been a reliable constant, a sweet companion through every unexpected turn. It’s been there through childhood traumas, through weight battles, and through the everyday chaos. And for that, it will forever hold a special, cherished, and slightly absurd place in my heart. My oldest love, indeed.