Gluten-free Dating

[Forman337]

Hi all,

I've been gluten-free for almost a year now, and am starting to feel better somewhat. I didn't bother dating while I was going through the healing process because I was just too sick. Now that my health has improved some I'd like to start dating again, but it always ends up with my trying to explain that I can't eat out and it gets awkward and the date doesn't happen or goes badly because I have yet to find someone who understands celiac. Anyone else deal with these issues? It would be cool to share experiences, advice, etc. on the subject! 

[Jays911]

You can eat out.  There are many restaurants that are knowledgeable about and sensitive to gluten free needs. 

[Forman337]

I know there are some that advertise it, but I'm weary of trusting them with cross contamination issues. I found a few that have stuff that's made with gluten free ingredients but they use the same cookware and surfaces to prepare the food so I don't want to risk it. My area I live in doesn't have much in gluten free options unfortunately. 

[ravenwoodglass]

You could try on the first couple of dates doing stuff that doesn't involve food.  Or, perhaps bring a safe snack or a picnic with some gluten free stuff.  If your date asks about it just tell them you have celiac. If you don't make a big deal out of it likely they won't either. 

 

[squirmingitch]

1 hour ago, ravenwoodglass said:

You could try on the first couple of dates doing stuff that doesn't involve food.  Or, perhaps bring a safe snack or a picnic with some gluten free stuff.  If your date asks about it just tell them you have celiac. If you don't make a big deal out of it likely they won't either. 

 

Great ideas!

Picnics, movies, art museums, concerts, kayaking, hiking, poetry readings, botanical gardens. Carnivals & fairs - you can buy the date things to eat & bring your own snacks. 

[Jays911]

Don't give in on dining out. Almost every pizza place I know has gluten-free options. You have to,tell them about cross contamination issues sometimes, but I have not had any issues. Mexican restaurants have options, and numerous chains (Jason's Deli, Schlotzsky's, Chipotle, Noodles) all have many options. I wishyou well, but you are limiting yourself needlessly, IMHO.  Blessings. 

[Tonra44]

I don't think not wanting to eat out is self limiting, it's self protecting. For me, I've never heard of any of the chains you mention, as they are not in my area and for @Forman377 that may also be the case. We should all respect everyone's wishes in regards to how they manage their illness. 

[ironictruth]

Be up front about it on match.com or other sites (get a griupon for match) and maybe you will attract a fellow celiac. 

[egs1707]

I've pretty much given up all hope on that front now since diagnosis. It's a tough, judgemental world in the dating scene without having to explain you've got a disease (is it just me or does the phrase "celiac disease" make it sound even worse?!) and the subsequent limitations on socialising that come with it. It's horrible to think that rest of life will be spent alone but the chances of finding people willing to accept it, particularly in the younger age groups where Tinder etc. make people very disposable seems slim.

[Ennis-TX]

I just pray I meet a understanding female with celiac, who will avoid my other allergies and needs a man that can cook damn well and runs a gluten-free Bakery. I keep looking and have tried several dating websites, and talk to people at conventions, markets. and expos where I can meet others with the disease.