Is refusing to eat something an insult to the cook?

Answer 1

Not if it's something you know you don't like -some people just hate certain foods no matter how they're prepared, in that case it's clear that it's not personal. Also of course certain diets, whether voluntary or a medical necessity, should be understood and not be taken personally in this day and age! If you know you're invited to dinner and have a common food item you don't like, of course it's more polite to tell the person cooking about it at the time of the invitation, but if it's an impromptu thing then no, personal preference or vegetarianism or a diet should not be taken as an insult.

However if the cook happens to know you usually like the kind of food served and you refuse to eat it this time, then it would be taken as an insult or criticism... probably deserved because why else would you refuse it, but yeah... in that case it'd be pretty obvious it's the cook who did something not to your liking with good ingredients, rather than that it's your personal 'problem' with certain foods!

Answer 2

I don't believe it is, and I wouldn't be insulted if somebody said to me, "I am so sorry, but I've tried Baby Back Lemon Barbecue Snails, a few times now, and I just really don't seem to have acquired a taste for the little boogers. Do you have any peanut butter and crackers?"
If I invite somebody to dinner, I usually get an idea of what they like or don't like before preparing a menu. I learned that lesson after inviting a guy I had a serious crush on to my house for dinner, and learned only after putting a plateful of something in front of him, that he was Vegetarian. Sadly, I had nothing else to offer but bread.

Answer 3

No, that isn't an insult to the cook. It is perfectly acceptable to pass on eating something that is not to your liking, for whatever reason. A good host or hostess will find out what the dietary restrictions are of each guest before the menu is even selected. This will avoid putting any of the guests in an uncomfortable or embarrassing position when the food is served.

Answer 4

Refusing to try something is an insult to the cook. Refusing to eat it after trying it is not. There is your answer. Thank you and good luck.

Answer 5

The person may be insulted, but you have a right to refuse to eat whatever you want to refuse.

Answer 6

No. At least not in America. There are some cultures where that is considered highly insulting. I believe it is a matter of preference, as with many other things.

*edit
I suppose that it can be, now that I really mull it over. But I have come to the realization that there is no way to go through life pleasing everyone. Heck, just look at the amount of thumbs down my answer provoked. I get harassed about my diet all the time...that I am too health-conscious. We all do what we feel is best for us.

Answer 7

If you have a food allergy that, from a health stand point, would prevent you from eating certain things, then no it is not an insult.

If not, it is most certainly an insult to the host (who may be the cook, also).

Answer 8

I would say the only things you cannot refuse is what you yourself has placed onto your plate. I wouldnt think it was an insult if someone didnt take something i made, but i would be offended if they did and then didnt eat it.

i dont try things i am unsure of.

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

Unless there is a religious or medical reason for your POLITE declination, yes. In other words, if you will have an allergic reaction to peanut butter and you're being served peanut butter cookies, it makes sense that you would politely say that you can't eat them. But if you simply refuse to take a little bit of what's offered to you, it's just rude.