Spotted this in "Dear Margo" on Saturday, April 7, 2012:
"Passive Aggressive Behavior/Food Division
Dear Margo: After suffering for much of my life, I found out a few years ago that I have some severe food intolerances and allergies. It was hard for me to come to terms with the fact that my diet will always have to be quite limited, but I am now beginning to enjoy my newfound health, and I'm creatively coming up with new ways to eat well.
My issue is with my family. I don't visit them very often, as I am a student in a different city, but when I do, they never seem to get that I just can't eat certain types of food. Without fail, I am served something I can't eat, or they make it and eat it in front of me, raving about how good it is and it's too bad I can't have any, poor me. Even my grandmother does this. It makes me feel that my family is incredibly insensitive, and frankly, I'm getting tired of it. I don't want to act like a victim, so I just smile and carry on. Is there a tongue-in-cheek way to let them know I have had enough before I lash out at one of them? — My Way
Dear My: I would stop smiling. What is going on is somewhere between dim and mean. While I am generally in favor of using humor to defuse uncomfortable situations, I am not recommending it in your case because this aggressive effort to push food on you that is harmful is beyond someone saying things that are merely thoughtless. No offense, but these family members are either incredibly thick or strangely unconcerned with your health.
The next time this happens, I would ask: "What part of my doctor's orders do you not understand? And why would you want me to eat something that would cause a serious reaction? While you are free to eat whatever you like, I would consider it a favor if you would not rave about something you are enjoying that you know I cannot have." When people seriously misstep, I have no interest in sparing their feelings. — Margo, directly "
It sounds like the Letter Writer is dealing with a bunch of N's!!!!
