I feel sorry that Mike has lost so many of his friends, and
wholeheartedly agree with Cynthia. I went through alot of
my friends thinking "Is Tiffany going to make a fuss in
the restuarant tonight? We can't go to [fill in restaurant
here] because Tiffany can't eat anything. Oh, if we invite
Tiffany over we will have to make something SPECIAL."
I think alot of these perceptions were MY fault as well as
theirs. I was a big m**t eater and had to be VERY strict
with myself originally because it was too difficult to be
around all those other foods and not eat them. And, I too
am a foodie and therefore eating is an experience, not just
a source of nourishment. So, I became unconfortable in
situations with friends, and they noticed and became
uncomfortable, and so on.
But in time, when the cravings stopped, I had to take
responsibilty for eating and not place the burden on my
friends. I often bring my own food to social gatherings
(which eveyone else usually nibbles in to!) and if I can't
eat at a restaurant, I don't. And the friends that have
hung around (some are gone, I must admit) are comfortable
with that, because *I* am comfortable with that.
Good luck to those who are dealing with "friends" who value
your desire to eat m**t over your other qualities.
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