I visit this older woman that enjoys cooking and surprising me with a meal, but she will sometimes make things that contain ingredients that I am either allergic to or don't agree with me. For instance, she once surprised me with a turkey dinner platter and put gravy on everything, not realizing or understanding that gravy and my stomach don't get along. How do I politely deal with a situation like this? I don't want to tell her not to cook at all as it will make her feel invalidated, but I don't want to get sick either. Please help!
2006-10-23 05:58:58 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You are so kind to worry about this woman's feelings with little thought to your own welfare!! How lucky she is to have you!
I'm sure she would be devastated to think she prepared something that made you ill. Tell her, as sweetly as you can, that certain foods and ingredients just don't agree with you...and the sooner, the better. Being an older person, believe me...she'll understand. To not tell her is really a disservice....and I don't mean that to sound rude.
2006-10-23 07:57:03 · answer #1 · answered by Rembrandt11 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the previous answerer that this woman probably wants your attention. After all, many of us know that the way to a person's heart is through his stomach. Perhaps all she needs is a little reassurance that you really appreciate her kindness, but she doesn't need to cook to keep you around.
2006-10-23 16:50:45 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you're making me really hungry with the mention of turkey and gravy.
she's really sweet about the surprise though!
i put myself in your shoes and realised that if i were you, i'd still eat the food no matter what because i think since she's older, i'm not sure if she is an old woman; her feelings might easily be hurt.
stock up on antacids! i'm so sorry if my advice is lousy, but i can see she values your friendship alot.
2006-10-23 06:03:30 · answer #3 · answered by sidewalkslam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're pretty lucky that she cooks for you. I'd just tell her that you love it and are grateful, but ther eare some things that you can't eat. maybe you two can make a plan where she cooks things that you enjoy and can tolerate.
2006-10-23 10:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by Dovie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inform her of what you are allergic to and dislike in a polite way.
2006-10-23 06:03:30 · answer #5 · answered by Sleep deprived 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give her a list of foods that bother you. It sounds like she mostly wants company.
2006-10-23 06:07:44 · answer #6 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell her what a wonderful cook she is. Then, tell her that your doctor has you on a special diet... Please don't tempt me.
2006-10-23 06:16:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋