‘I’m like Joey, I don’t share my food’: What Ananya Panday’s confession says about personal boundaries

Actor Ananya Panday’s light-hearted admission that she does not like sharing food has sparked an interesting conversation around personal habits and boundaries. Speaking during an interview with Curly Tales, the actor compared herself to Joey Tribbiani from the popular sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S, famously known for his line, “Joey doesn’t share food.”

“Mai Joey ki tarah hoon, apna khana share nahi karti,” Ananya said, adding humour to what many people quietly relate to but rarely say out loud.

While the comment amused fans, mental health experts say the behaviour reflects deeper psychological patterns rather than simple selfishness.

Why some people don’t like sharing food

According to Dr Anitha Chandra, consultant psychiatrist at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, such behaviour often stems from how individuals perceive personal boundaries.

“Food is deeply personal. For many people, it is tied to comfort, control, and security,” Dr Chandra explains. “When someone says they don’t like sharing food, it doesn’t automatically indicate a negative trait. It can simply mean they value personal space and autonomy.”

She adds that popular media plays a strong role in shaping how people express these preferences. “By referencing a familiar character like Joey, individuals normalise their habits. It makes the behaviour feel acceptable, relatable, and even humorous,” she says.

Media influence and self-identity

Experts note that pop culture characters often provide a language for self-expression. Over time, repeated exposure to such characters can influence how people describe themselves and justify certain boundaries without guilt.

“Using a media character allows people to set limits socially,” Dr Chandra says. “It signals, ‘This is who I am,’ without having to over-explain.”

When boundaries are healthy

Psychologists emphasise that not wanting to share food is not inherently problematic. As long as the behaviour does not stem from anxiety, fear, or control issues — and does not affect relationships — it can be a healthy form of self-boundary.

In fact, experts say being clear about small preferences, like food sharing, often prevents resentment and discomfort later.

Ananya Panday’s candid remark, while playful, highlights a broader truth: personal habits don’t need justification. Sometimes, they just need honesty — and maybe a pop culture reference to make them easier to own.