How To Identify a Serial Killer

The other day, my boyfriend returned from his chiropractor appointment and announced that Dr. K agrees that M must be a serial killer.

Let me back up. M is my sister’s boyfriend. They’ve been together for about three years now, though living across the country during the pandemic has meant we don’t see them much. But the two times we’ve met M, that maniacal circus music starts playing in the background.

The guy seems normal enough, aside from looking perpetually stoned. I mean, he did ask solely for true crime shows, books, and soundtracks for Christmas, which is suspect. But, I think that’s en vogue right now, so I’ll let it slide.

There is one red flag you could spot from a mile away, though. It’s his favorite snack.

The guy’s favorite candy is Circus Peanuts! He enjoys eating orange Styrofoam pellets. He’s got to be a psycho, right?

Okay, fine, curiosity got the best of me. Circus peanuts are artificial banana flavored marshmallow candies. Not much better that Styrofoam, at least in my book.

Anyways, we’ve spent the last three years trying to find one other person who enjoys, or even tolerates Circus Peanuts. Everyone not only says no, but is appalled that we would even ask. Several have been so taken aback that they declare he must be a serial killer.

So, here we are, once more. We may know the only person in the world that loves Circus Peanuts candy.

Do you or someone you love eat Circus Peanuts candy? I would love to know. Maybe it’s a Midwestern thing, and I just haven’t found a large enough sample group yet.

Also, do you have any unconventional “red flags” that you look for in relationships–romantic, friendship, or otherwise? Even if they’re goofy and ridiculous, let’s hear ’em!