On Declining Food That Makes You Gag

When I was in high school my friend Chloe invited me over to her place for dinner with her family. She had asked me the night before what I didn't eat. I told her that raw tomatoes, cauliflower, and steamed asparagus had a similar effect on me as a chainsaw driven through my chest cavity; I would probably die. (Nowadays I like cauliflower and asparagus if lightly steamed. I was 16 back then, what do you want from me?)

The next night, I went to her house and was welcomed by Chloe and her parents (who are both English chefs). Her mother came up to me and informed me of the menu, "Yorkshire pudding, lamb with mint sauce, some home made bread, and this steamed cauliflower and asparagus dish with tomatoes."

My face went white, and I'm told my smile lost all gusto and energy.

"Just kidding."

I thought I would kill them both. We all had a laugh, and she assured me that none of the offending veggies would be served. I apologized, and explained I was raised better, but the idea of all of them combined on one plate and my forcing myself to eat it was too much me to handle and my brain broke. Seriously, the idea of being assaulted by this gang of produce would cause me to almost vomit on the spot.

So what's the best route to take? We've all experienced this horror. This fear. This knowledge of a forthcoming torture that we MUST endure for one reason or another. So what do you do when placed in such a situation? Well, here's my advice on the topic:

If the person is a close friend and you just want to make sure the menu is palatable, you might want to make a small reminder of your likes and dislikes.

If you are asked by the host about your culinary aversions, feel free to tell them how you feel, just make sure you don't say "I hate all veggies." Something like that creates an awkward situation for the host as you've probably limited most of the menu they had planned.

Always feel free to send a heads-up about allergies. That's not being picky, that's staying out of a hospital bed.

If you've been offered something you don't like on the plate you're given, at least take a few bites. Don't be a wuss, just do it.

Don't hide your veggies in your napkin or glass of milk. My mom usually caught me.

If it's something you simply cannot digest and will vomit if you take another sacrificial bite, then just avoid it. You may want to tell the host after the table is cleared that it wasn't anything personal and you just have never enjoyed that dish. As long as you tried it the host will most likely understand.

Never note your displeasure of a dish at the table.

If it's more of a serve yourself style meal, simply avoid what you don't like, but don't horde all the stuff you do like to make up for it as others have to be able to get some as well.

Keep in mind, that someone went out of their way to prepare a meal for you. How would you feel if in their position and someone stated they would prefer not to eat what you slaved over? Just take a moment to show your appreciation and politely decline. That or slip it to the dog when no one's looking.