I've been gluten free for two years now and people never cease to ask me personal questions when I tell them that. I'm sure people are just trying to be friendly and caring, but I've had many an awkward moment with a well-meaning person who didn't think through what they were really saying. No one would ask this to someone on a "normal" diet, so please don't ask them to me because I have different health concerns. Here are three questions that people have asked me, and the questions they should have asked instead.
1. "So what can you even eat? Like give me an example."
So many people have asked me this question and I never know what to say. Do you want me to list off what I've eaten today? No thank you. There are tons of foods that don't contain gluten. Would you like me to list them all off? No thank you. No one wants to tell someone their whole diet: That's super personal and takes forever. The only time this question is appropriate is if you're making me dinner. Then I will happily give suggestions of how you can feed me.
The better question would have been: "What is gluten and what foods contain gluten?"
2. "What happens to you if you eat gluten?"
This question is only okay when asked by a good friend or my doctor. I would prefer not to disclose the details of what my body goes through when I consume a gluten-containing food. Let's just say that it's not good. If it didn't hurt me, I wouldn't be making this sacrifice in my diet. Would you ask someone with any other medical problem about the details of their symptoms? Probably not. So probably don't ask me. Go google the symptoms of gluten-intolerance another time.
PS: This question makes it sound like you're trying to poison me.
The better question would have been: What are the benefits of eating a gluten-free diet?
3. "Are you sure that's a real problem? I've heard that's all in your head."
Thank you for your input. I'll log that away. And yes, I'm pretty sure it's a real problem. While only 1 percent of people suffer from celiac disease, almost one in 10 people experience symptoms of gluten intolerance. Please don't imply that I haven't any reason to be gluten free. That's just rather insensitive.
The better question would have been: Have you felt better since going gluten free?
For the sake of all of my gluten free companions who are also tired of being asked these questions, please think before you speak. Our medical conditions aren't really your business. We love that you care, but think about what you're saying. Sometimes a quick google search would be the tactful way to get your answer.
