I can empathize: families know us too well, and often think we 're "crying wolf" - especially if we have other chronic conditions, like allergies, CFS, chronic anxiety, depression, etc. I think managing our foods without causing a big "disruption" or drawing too much attention to ourselves will eventually make this a non-issue for most reasonable people. Yes, Moms and feeding their children is an emotional issue, even unconciously - but maybe telling Mom privately and gently how much you enjoyed her cooking, and how many fond memories you have of it, will soften her up for the truth of the matter: that you just can't eat it any more, and it's not her fault. Maybe she'll eventually want to learn some special recipe from Heather's book, just for you!
Regarding eating out, I think a good reply to well-meaning people who offer us food might be, "That's so kind of you, and it looks delicious! Unfortunately, my doctor has me on a food elimination diet for a while to determine what might be upsetting my tummy. Maybe next time!" Then, you may not see these people again, or, if you do, you can expand then and tell them a little more: "My doctor discovered that I have a severe reaction to certain foods or combination of foods, so for now, I'm on a pretty strict diet. Thanks for understanding." If they press you to have "just one", you might say, kind of mischievously, "Well, it might be worth a trip to the ER...maybe I will!" Bet she backs off! Some people just have to be hit over the head - KINDLY and with humor, preferably! You don't have to divulge too much information (like what the severe reaction is!), or the fact that this is really a wholesale lifestyle change - I think we can reserve that type of "in-depth" response for people we interact with on a daily basis, or have deep relationships with. That's just going to be my strategy!
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Re: Does anyone else feel like a hypochondriac around other people?
