Dear FAAN Teen,
I am finally old enough to date and would really like to start going out, but I’m still a little nervous because of my food allergies. Any words of wisdom?
To say dating with food allergies is a difficult task is an understatement. Dating itself can be nerve-racking, whether you are choosing clothes to wear out or trying to come up with conversational topics. Add the possibility of a life-threatening reaction while you are out on a date, and dating with food allergies may seem nearly impossible.
However, food allergies can actually play to your advantage, if you look on the bright side of things. They are, for one, a great thing to talk about if you can’t think of anything else to say. Also, if you don’t get a chance to talk to your date much in school, letting him or her know about your allergies before you go out is an effective way to break the ice.
Another advantage of food allergies that can also be applied to friendship is that you can tell if someone is a good fit for you depending on whether or not they respect your allergies. If someone doesn’t understand why he or she shouldn’t have a dish containing one of your life-threatening allergens, it’s clear that he or she may not be right for you. Finally, good dates feel great about being able to help you; it makes them feel protective and can help you two to bond. I love when I’m out with a guy or with my friends, and someone makes sure to look out for me by reading ingredients or finding a restaurant staff member to inform them of my food allergies. Concern like this shows that your friends and dates care about you – and that can help save your life.
~Elisabeth, 16, is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and other foods. She is a TAG member.
