Each one of us has our favorites. And in turn, we all have that one, maybe two items on the annual list of offerings around this time of year that we don't like, and do whatever we can to avoid eating. Mine has always, since I was old enough to remember-been sweet potatoes. Don't like them at all. Can't stand the taste, the pasty texture, really anything about them. And when I was a child growing up in the '70s and '80s, there was a different mindset with parents and food on the table, then there is nowadays. So you HAD to eat them. If it was on your plate, you ate it. Period. No ifs, and or buts. Kids these days won't ever know that pain, as parents allow them to eat whatever they want, or skip what's on the table all together for alternate choices in the refrigerator or cupboards. WE weren't so lucky.

Based on an unofficial survey in Midland-Odessa, here are the most unpopular items on the Thanksgiving dinner table... First, for me:

8. SWEET POTATOES

Slippery, pasty, and just plain awful. Next!

7. CRANBERRY SAUCE

I always tried my hardest to avoid this concoction but wasn't ever successful until I was an adult who could make their own choices.

6. STUFFING

There are a lot of picky people when it comes to stuffing-especially if it's homemade and you don't like an ingredient or two.

5. SWEET PICKLES

Many prefer dill to sweet. I was always a sweet fan.

4. DEVILED EGGS

You either love these or hate them. There is no in between.

3. MASHED POTATOES

If there's good brown gravy to go with them, count me in. If not--I'll pass.

2. GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

I was surprised this made the list as it's one of my favorites--but the write-ins said if it was too watery they had to pass. I'm guessing that happens if it doesn't bake long enough and the water doesn't evaporate?

1. PUMPKIN PIE

This one REALLY surprised me as there is such a penchant for anything and everything Pumpkin Spice. Perhaps some extra cool whip would make it better?