In one of my recent articles, I defined what Selective Eating Disorder is. Picky eating may not just be being snobby about food. It might be uncontrollable. So, next time you encounter someone who might be a picky eater, here is a list of things not to say to them.
1. "You've never tried it, so how do you know you don't like it?"
You've never tried eating worms and dirt, how do you know you don't like that? Don't force me to eat this, and I won't force you to eat that.
2. "Is that all you're going to eat?"
Thank you for pointing out my eating habits in the most embarrassing way possible. Yes, I am only eating french fries. It's the only thing this restaurant offers that I will eat. Please move on.
Related:Don't Get Offended If The Doctor Tells You You're Not Healthy
3. "You don't know what you're missing!"
Yes, in fact, I do. I know I'm missing out on food that might be delicious and a lot of necessary nutrients. I know I'm missing out on a lot of social events because I'm afraid of the comments I will get about my diet. I have news for you: It's not my choice. I would change it if I could. Thanks for reminding me.
4. "How can you not like this? Everyone likes this! It's so weird that you don't like this."
What's weird is that you feel that my diet is your business. News flash: Not everyone likes everything. I can guarantee you I am not the only one who does not like the food you so rudely pointed out I'm not eating.
5. "That can't be healthy."
No, really? My diet of french fries, chips and bread isn't healthy? Alert the media! Yes, I know. Like I said, I wish I could change it, but I can't.
6. "If they were starving, they would eat whatever they could get."
Actually, no. If my body won't let me swallow it, it isn't going to happen.
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7. "You can't even taste the [insert ingredient here]."
That may be, but I know it's there. Since I know it's there, my body won't let me swallow it.
Want to know what you can say to a picky eater? Ask polite questions. Believe it or not, we want you to understand us as much as we want to understand our condition. Just use your common sense. Don't be rude. Don't embarrass us. We are already hyper-aware of our diet, already embarrassed of ourselves, already give ourselves a hard enough time that we don't need it from you, too.
