this happens too often (but not usually to this extent)

I think of cooking this whole wheat couscous for dinner.
The container is about 3/4 empty, so I could finally use it up.
The contents smell stale, but maybe not too bad. I think fresh couscous may smell the same way?
I read the date on the container...
"BEST IF USED BEFORE MAY 21, 2010"

What, 2010!!!??? How can I have had this in my cupboard since 2010!??

Well then, it probably really is stale and better not to be eaten.

..

I could have sworn I bought these 2 boxes of Matzo Ball mix 2 years ago. I thought that was when I made matzo balls for the first time, for Christmas.
But no, the date on these packages is JUN 27 2018.
And when I check my notes, it was Thanksgiving of 2017 when I made them last, not 2019.
Sigh.
At least these aren't too old to still cook. But it would require more effort than I want to do tonight. Maybe this weekend.

..

So I open a can of stuffed grape leaves to eat with the leftover canned Delhi Saag and Pigeon Peas which I opened yesterday.

But then while heating that I think to myself:
That couscous has been patiently sitting in that cupboard since 2010.. All the things that have happened in my life since 2010!... patiently waiting.
HOW CAN I POSSIBLY just throw it away!? No, I have to at least cook it and see how it turns out.

..
Update, 2021/12/11:
I cooked the couscous with a bouillon cube and a tablespoon of margarine (instead of the teaspoon indicated by the instructions). It tasted pretty good, better than when I cooked it in the past; that must be the right way to cook couscous.