1) We're not any different then you
Look, we don't need to be treated like a walking bomb, we are still people outside of our allergy.
2) We didn't ask for this
Everyone says this but for us it's true. I didn't ask to be allergic to nuts, and peanut butter. Trust me if I had to chose one thing to be allergic to it would not be something as common as peanuts.
3) We don't need all this attention
The signs on every high school door is great, but it doesn't stop people from eating the allergen. "PEANUT ALLERGY IN THIS CLASSROOM" is not very persuading for anyone to stop. It's just not necessary everyone knows anyways. Thanks but no thanks.
4) We're sorry for the inconvenience
We know all you wanted for lunch was a PB&J but you can't eat that around us, we know you want to eat your Reeses. We know you want to eat it but won't so we don't have to move or leave or whatever. We're sorry that we are an inconvenience.
5) We would be first in line for the cure
If there was a cure for our allergen we would be first in line, there's not yet so we're stuck with it so please refrain from reminding us that we're an issue.
6) Getting stabbed with an EpiPen is not fun for anyone
Look, I love the idea of being stabbed with a needle in the thigh as much as the next person, but if you're looking forward to stabbing me whenever I may have a reaction please remember; you're holding my life in your hands. Please focus on injecting me in the right way more then the fact that you're jabbing me with a needle.
7) We would be happy to inform you of all the details of our specific allergy
If you want, we can make a PowerPoint about what causes our reaction, the signs of our reaction, and even how to work and EpiPen. However, we're not going to tell you to stop eating our allergen in front of us, because that just seems rude.
8) Our allergen doesn't define us
My allergy is only a small part of me. It does not define me. When you think of me I do not want your first thought to be "peanuts" because I am more then that.
9) Your allergen is most likely pollen which is different
It sucks that you're allergic to pollen, yes I feel bad for your runny nose and watery eyes. Please don't compare that to my swelling throat and hives. It's not the same. I know pollen allergies suck, I have them too. Food allergens and pollen are two different things.
10) We want to eat our allergen as much as you.
You want to eat it and we want to try it. We don't know how good it is, but we want to. It's something we want to do. It's not something we can do though without um.. dying
