I don't have a ton of complaints anymore about the mandatory gluten free lifestyle that I follow. 5 years of it has beat me into submission and even taught me to appreciate the hand I have been dealt. Some days though, I feel like I did at the beginning. This isn't fair.
J and I have been invited to one of my co-worker's houses this weekend for a get together. My co-worker said she was going to make hamburgers and told me I should just bring my own bun. I said oh that's ok, I'm just not going to eat. [Note: I don't eat at other people's houses unless I am the one preparing the food because I am a VERY sensitive celiac and have gotten sick from ridiculously small amounts of gluten cross contamination.] My co-workers response to my statement was somewhat unexpected, though I've heard it before, "you're weird!" No, dear people of the world. I am not weird. I am protecting myself and my health, if I could eat safely at your house I promise you I would. Your food always looks good. Upon explaining this, her statement was retracted and I was instead deemed "high maintenance." Au contraire. I am no maintenance. You don't even have to feed me. How is that high maintenance? I simply go to these sorts of functions to be in your presence.
I realize that we are a species that loves feeding one another, and when people come over to my house I live and die to feed them. I feel awful that I cannot eat the beautiful food that has been prepared. I know it is hard. Please don't slap a hurtful label on me for a choice that I never wanted to have to make. My intention was never to make anyone uncomfortable.
Invite me out to dinner. If I don't eat, don't say anything. Know that I will eat eventually, but at that moment I care more about the company I'm with than the food.
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