PETALING JAYA, July 9 -- As a kid, my parents often encouraged me - in their own heavy-handed way - to try a wide variety of food.

Some things were love at first sight: sambal belacan, roti bom, foie gras. Others, like abalone, baked beans, and durian... not so much.

I remember slurping down my first snail with real joy. I also remember my first oyster slinking its way down my throat. I dreaded the oyster forever after.

Naturally, I held a grudge.

But my parents had a rule they practically beat into me: your palate changes as you get older.

So keep trying, and you'll be surprised what you end up liking.

It's not meant to be taken literally. Physically, our taste buds change every two weeks. But changing a preference is dependent on ...