Poll
Question:
When do you tell a new friend (not "special" friend, just friend-friend) about your food allergy?
Option 1: I tell them everything-- it's the first thing others learn about me
votes: 2
Option 2: starting from the get-go, but a little at a time-- as it comes up, basically... it's not like I can avoid it forever
votes: 8
Option 3: I tell, but only up to a point-- I don't talk about anaphylaxis.
votes: 0
Option 4: I try to avoid the subject as long as I can
votes: 1
Option 5: I don't tell anyone-- my mom and dad will do it for me (ugh)
votes: 0
Option 6: I don't want friends
votes: 0
Option 7: I don't make a lot of new friends, and my friends already know
votes: 2
Option 8: (other-- please explain)
votes: 0
I'm also curious to know whether or not you think that this strategy is a particularly GOOD one or not.
Is there friction at your house between parents and allergic teens about this? How is that handled?
I voted for the second one for DD. She will mention it to new friends but only add as events, future contact, etc....warrant. By the time they are a good friend, they've even tested an expired epi pen!
I asked my son. He said it comes up when he eats in restaurants with his friends and he orders something weird. Apparently new people in the group will ask "why are you eating that" and his friends (the ones who have known for a while) explain it.
He says his friends like to talk about it more than he does.
I had to smile though. His girlfriend was over for dinner tonight and, when we brought out the dessert, she asked "does that have milk in it?" (She's lactose intolerance.) My son gently explained that it will NEVER have milk in it and she can stop worrying. Silver lining.
Need-to-know basis.