How Should I Handle This Situation If It Arises Again?

[RachelisFacebook]

I was out to eat when I went home over fall break (I'm in college 700 miles from where I grew up), and I was with my friend's family. We were in an Eat N Park, which has gluten-free buns, and does very well with accommodating its gluten-free customers. When the waitress took my order, I requested that I needed it on a gluten-free bun, and she asked if it was for a gluten allergy, and I replied, yes, I have celiac disease. My friend's sister busts out laughing, however, I ignore it until later he's talking with me and mentions my "fake celiac." I was like, woah, what do you mean, "fake?" He's known me for years, and I was just diagnosed in April. And he's going on and on about how they think my face is going to swell up and I'm going to die, blah blah blah. I just ignored it and carried on my way (enjoying every bit of my safe meal), but how should I have handled that situation?

[Kay DH]

I would ask that friend why they reacted that way, if you haven't done so. Aside from being insensitive to you, it also tends to dismiss your being celiac to the waiter. I is hard enough to eat out without that. Friends have a way of gut-punching us (so to speak). My best girlfriend once said she had a big party and didn't invite me because she didn't think she had anything I could eat. My damage control was to email all my friends and ask them to humor my dietary constraint. I enjoy being with them so much, and I will bring my own food to gatherings. It is hard, maybe a reason why people with celiac go off the wagon.

[Emilushka]

Well, it is different from a food allergy, but your friend was still a jerk. When I have friends that behave inappropriately as yours did, I question how long I care about our friendship being open and honest and close. If they're moving away soon (as with a friend who made a very callous comment recently) I just let it go and move on with life. I'll be rid of that one soon enough anyway - no need to rock the boat.

If this is someone you want to keep around, explain that what you have is an autoimmune disorder. While that is different from a food allergy, it's a lot easier to just say the magic words "food allergy" than it is to explain the pathophysiology of Celiac Disease.

[petrie]

People like that will show up again unfortunately. Just try to ignore them but it wouldn't be bad to point out their ignorance. Stick up for yourself!

And EatnPark is amazing isn't it???