First "party" After Going Gluten Free....

[kbabe1968]

Hi....I'm REALLY nervous.

My husband told me his boss invited him to a party this weekend. We are going. It's a mexican party/feast type thing. Of course, I can tell just from that there will be foods I cannot eat.

It's a group of people I do not know at all. I'm really nervous to offend someone.

HOW do I negotiate this without seeming rude or attracting attention to myself?

THANKS!

[Lisa]

When I go out and I know that there will be food there prepared by someone else I just eat before I go. Some bring their own food

You can politily explain the you have several food allergies. Most people are understanding.

When we get invited out to someones home for dinner, most people know that I have celiac and I always offer to bring a dish that I know I can eat, if nothing else is suitable.

[mamatide]

Hi....I'm REALLY nervous.

My husband told me his boss invited him to a party this weekend. We are going. It's a mexican party/feast type thing. Of course, I can tell just from that there will be foods I cannot eat.

It's a group of people I do not know at all. I'm really nervous to offend someone.

HOW do I negotiate this without seeming rude or attracting attention to myself?

THANKS!

I'd eat first as well. You might be able to have some chips and salsa to be sociable.

Good luck.

[kbabe1968]

I thought about eating before going. I don't want to appear rude.

I may have my husband ask the gentleman if it's okay for me to bring something. Maybe I could make a salad and bring a dressing I know I can eat. as well as a desert.

Sigh. I guess I'm just embarrassed. Adn I don't want the evening or the event to become about me and my health issues, ya know? I also don't want to be glutened. I've only been doing this for a week...and for the first few days I felt a lot better. I got glutened over the weekend and have been sick again every since. I may just never eat again! LOL.

Anyway....

[tarnalberry]

You are going to have to turn food down. That does NOT make you rude. Anyone who thinks it does is rude themselves for pushing their desires onto you. Eating first is a good idea (and you don't have to tell anyone either).

You can ask questions if you want, but that can be tricky if you don't know anyone. And if you do ask those questions, you will have to mention your food intolerances to explain why you are asking. That doesn't mean you're making it all about you - it means you're making about 30 seconds of one conversation between two or three people out of the whole big party (aka - a VERY small part of it) about you. And that is TOTALLY fine.

In the end, do NOT err on the side of 'polite' in exchange for hurting yourself. It's never worth it.

[loraleena]

I have been to so many parties lately. It sucks not being able to eat everything, but I usually bring my own chips and hummus. This weekend they had wonderful nachos and they were safe! I don't like having to talk about celiac either, but I have had many great conversations because of having to turn down food. This past weekend I met a man who was really interested and wanted me to send him info on celiac, since he is having lots of skin problems. I like to be able to help people when I can.

[kbabe1968]

Thanks.

Talked to my hubby about it tonight. He's going to mention to his friend that I have a special diet and make sure they're okay if I bring something. That I'm willing to bring something big enough for everyone (like a salad or dessert). I'll also make sure I've eaten before we go, just to make sure I don't get hungry, then start picking at what I "think" is safe, and end up glutening myself.

Thanks for your help!

[jukie]

If you do take food to share, remember to be aware of the inevitable cross contamination that can take place with other people and foods around. All it takes is one gluteny utensil or set of fingers in/on your food and it's no longer gluten-free. Try to get the first serving if you can

Take care of yourself and have fun!

[sewfunky]

If you're ordering off the menu, I would suggest getting to the party place a little early to talk with a manager about your options available on the menu. If it's buffet - eat before hand. You can politely say that you ate before and can eat a salad so you're not the only one not eating.