If you’re a picky eater and think you’re weird for it, you are–but not to worry because there are plenty of us out there. People need to understand that we didn’t choose the picky life, it chose us. Here are just a few things that us picky eaters have in common, and to all you normal and boring eaters: please understand.

1. People think you choose to be picky

Whenever you say you don’t like a certain food, everyone thinks you’re just saying that you don’t want it. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. There is a wide variety of foods that we just cannot physically bite into because our taste buds don’t agree. Believe me, if I could become un-picky, I would do it in a heartbeat.

2. Eating in social gatherings causes high stress

There are always the people that are going to make fun of you for what you do and don’t eat. It’s a fact that all of us picky eaters have learned to deal with. However, there is still the mild anxiety anytime you attend an event accompanied with food. Not knowing what is going to be served at a function is nerve wracking. Do I eat before, just in case? If I don’t like it, should I still take some? What do I say if I don’t?

3. The gag reflex is real

Picky eaters everywhere might not all have a gag reflex. The ones that do, however, have to learn to hold it in. Trying a new food with other people is scary. Not knowing if you’ll gag is even scarier. You don’t want someone to think their cooking is bad just because you don’t like how something tastes. But the gag reflex cannot be stopped.

4. You PROMISE you've tried it. You just don't like it

Yes, us picky eaters do try new foods. We understand that our taste buds change and we appreciate that. That doesn’t mean you have to make us try something again just because “everyone likes it.” We broaden our horizons as needed and we don’t need you to remind us to try whatever food happens to be your favorite.

5. You have a select few favorite restaurants

Going out to dinner can be a struggle. You have your favorite places to eat because they have a menu that abides to what you like. The only issue is when you go out with other people. They suggest several places that you probably don’t like, but if you speak your mind you only have three restaurants as your input. Then, it becomes a decision of either paying for something you won’t enjoy, or opting out of eating anything, making you look like a fool.

6. You eat the same food over and over

Being a picky eater has taught you not to get tired of eating the same thing everyday. Your lunch always includes the routine PB&J, apple, goldfish and fruit snacks, and it’s been that way for years. Every once and a while you might substitute an orange for the apple, but everything stays the same for the most part. This goes for any meal or snacks to make the day go by without a hitch.

7. You're easy to cook for

On the plus side, we are easy to cook for. Date a picky eater and you won’t have to worry about making huge and fancy four course meals to impress us. We’re fine with a grilled cheese sandwich and some chicken noodle soup.