Things I think about

Should I really use a plate? If I am going to need to wipe down the counter after I eat/prepare my food, and if it is clean from before—why bother? If I use a plate and then wash it after I use it, but also wipe down the counter why not save a step and just slap my food straight on the counter? I can see how a plate may be less of a mess, like for food such as spaghetti, or on occasions when you need to cut your food on your plate but for everything else, why not save some steps?