After diagnosis, many people feel so anxious and depressed. They end up cutting themselves off completely from any inter-action in a social or business environment. All of this is just so they can avoid the dangers which are lurking out there which are out of their control.
But family and friends are still going to have parties, the occasional business luncheon or meeting (with its usual meals and snacks) is still going to pop up, the birthday or anniversary celebration dinner at a local restaurant is going to come around. Many times, for many reasons, an upcoming event will arrive which induces a list of "horrors" which could come up in your mind.
So instead of automatically saying No the next time you receive an invitation, try some of these tips to relieve some of the stress and anxiety before and during the event.
Always talk to your host in advance, whether this is a friend, a relative, your boss or even the restaurant's management themselves. Do not ever be so discourteous that you just show up and announce "I can't eat any of that. I have food allergies." Have the courtesy to explain your limitations in advance and have a list for them that you know are safe foods for your situation. If their menu does not coordinate with your allergies, then ask if it's OK if you bring a covered dish or two along with you. Even more important, if it's possible, make your offering something which coordinates to the theme of their event.
Pack your own small treats and goodies in a small unobtrusive bag and carry it along with you. Just in case something happens you can not eat what is provided, you are not left with nothing.
Mention to your host in advance you must see all the ingredient labels of each dish prepared and its ingredients. Do not ever expect a person unfamiliar with your allergy to be able to comprehend all those ingredient labels. Just remember what you felt like when you started reading labels after the diagnosis. This person is going to feel like that also, even intensified. That's because they know your very life may be in their hands. No other person wants to unwittingly cause harm to another party guest.
Remember, this occasion is a party, business meeting etc.. The purpose of the event was not just food. Enjoy the food, whatever you can, but also enjoy the company of the other guests without your sour mood. You can be in command of your having some nibbling treats and snacks just by diving into your own pre-packed nibble bag you brought along.
But family and friends are still going to have parties, the occasional business luncheon or meeting (with its usual meals and snacks) is still going to pop up, the birthday or anniversary celebration dinner at a local restaurant is going to come around. Many times, for many reasons, an upcoming event will arrive which induces a list of "horrors" which could come up in your mind.
So instead of automatically saying No the next time you receive an invitation, try some of these tips to relieve some of the stress and anxiety before and during the event.
Therefore, with some advance preparation, you can enjoy the event just as much as anyone else which was there.
Now, next time, if you happen to be the host/hostess at an upcoming event where you know one or more of your guests will have a food allergy, I will help you defuse the situation, and your anxiety, by helping you make your day a little easier, safer and more enjoyable for both you and the food allergic guest.
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