DINING OUT WITH ALLERGIES

TIPS FROM SAM

Often the hardest part about having a food allergy is how people react to it. Having food allergies can cause anxiety, isolation, and fear of dining out. People aren’t always empathetic to garlic allergies and don’t consider their responses when you tell them you’re allergic to garlic. 

Be supportive, don’t ask questions about a friend's allergy at social gatherings and let them enjoy a night out. Be kind and don’t pry, especially if you’re aware of their restrictions. Anything your friend needs to address they’ll do directly with the waiter. 

Trust me, your friend is already anxious about having to trust the waiter, chef and restaurant staff. Help reduce your friend's stress by not adding to it, don’t make their food restrictions the center of a dinner conversation. They’ll thank you for it. 

Share this with your friends and family if you feel like they are often critical of your allergy or consider you to be a picky eater. Hopefully this will help them understand how tough dealing with food allergies can be.

Warmly,

Sam