Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a picky eater. I know the foods I like, and it’s pretty unlikely that I’ll stray from them. It is much easier for me to name the foods I do like than list the ones I don’t; we would be here forever. It’s not because I want to be unhealthy or want to be put in uncomfortable situations when food is involved — I just can’t help it. It’s who I am, and I’m doing my best. Being a picky eater can be a nightmare and an embarrassment, so please just bare with me.
I don’t want a bite of your food.
Don’t take it personally. You should be happy! That means more for you.
Yes, I’m having the same dinner as last night.
So what if I’m having a grilled cheese for the 10th day in a row. It’s yummy, and I’m hungry. Please just let me enjoy it without causing me some sort of anxiety.
Buffet lines and plated dinners are my worst nightmare.
The neverending fear of getting in line and realizing the only thing you like is the dinner roll, and then having to explain why there’s nothing on your plate (which usually isn’t true) does not go away. Ever. Luckily, I’ve become a pro at pushing food around and making it seem like I’m eating.
I always look at the menu before going to an unfamiliar restaurant.
I’d rather be prepared to not like anything on the menu than be surprised when I get there and panic when it’s my turn to order. Either way, I’m going to be embarrassed ordering my plate of French fries.
Don’t comment on my food.
If you comment on what I’m eating, I will immediately lose my appetite and shrivel up into a perpetual bundle of anxiety. I’m eating and trying to be as healthy as I can be, and bugging me about it does not make it any better.
“You should try more things!”
You’re right, I should try more things, but please let me do it when I’m comfortable and ready. It’s not that I don’t want to (because I really, really do); it just takes a lot of mental preparation to even welcome the thought of straying from my regular foods.
As picky eaters, we know you’re just trying to help and have our best interest at heart — we really appreciate that — but just keep in mind that being a picky eater isn’t exactly easy on us. If I could go back in time to the day I became a picky eater and change it, you best believe I would. Just be thankful that I am eating, and trust me, I’m working on changing my habits. If the day ever does come that I am ready to expand my horizons and add to my diet, be there and support me, even if things don’t go as planned.
