My Boyfriend Has Celiac Disease, This Is How It Has Brought Us Closer Together | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
popular

My Boyfriend Has Celiac Disease, This Is How It Has Brought Us Closer Together

No, it doesn't bother me that I may live in a gluten-free household someday.

3003
My Boyfriend Has Celiac Disease, This Is How It Has Brought Us Closer Together
Maddie Toole

I have been dating my boyfriend Ethan for a year and a half now. We are alike in so many ways — we are outgoing and good at making new friends, we love being outdoors biking or hiking and we can spend hours together doing absolutely nothing and not get sick of it. But there is one area where we differ extremely: our diets.

Ethan is a picky eater, probably the pickiest eater I have ever met. It drives me crazy when one of my favorite foods makes him turn his nose up, but of course, I love him anyway. But the biggest difference between our diets is that Ethan has a severe case of celiac disease and is on a strict gluten-free diet.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes a severe intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. People who have celiac disease suffer damage to their small intestine when they eat gluten. Some people with more severe cases, like Ethan, may even break out in rashes just by coming into contact with it.

This means that Ethan and I rarely eat out at restaurants — it’s just too big of a risk. We often eat at home, mostly his home. Since his entire house is gluten-free, it’s safe for him to eat there. On the contrary, my pantry is stuffed with breads and pastas that would make Ethan seriously sick, so it’s often tricky to cook him something he will be able to scarf down and feel good afterward.

I'm a huge foodie. I love trying new foods, going out to unique restaurants and cooking up funky meals for myself. This is something that I will only ever get to share with Ethan, in small, gluten-free doses. (Not that he would eat what I fix, *eye roll*.) But that’s something I have grown to accept.

One of our friends once asked me, “Can Ethan get sick if you eat gluten and then kiss him?” The answer is yes. My teeth have never been cleaner from the constant preventative brushing. Nowadays, I have gotten into the habit of eating gluten-free when we go out to restaurants together. Bye bye dinner rolls.

I often get sad when I can’t introduce him to some of my favorite foods. My favorite hometown pizza and Dunkin' Donuts are completely out of the question (so sad, I know) — let alone some of the best restaurants at Miami University, like Bagel & Deli or Fiesta Charra.

But, it’s all worth it to keep him healthy. No food is more important than him feeling great so that we can go on all our crazy adventures together. Without him, I know I’d have a lot less fun.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23228
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9714
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7035
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments