A Little More Conversation

In an ideal world, each person you meet would have a computer screen listing all the foods he or she had consumed in the past few hours. Though such internal monitoring devices would greatly simplify the lives of people with food allergies, they do not yet exist. Instead, we must be careful at all times.

Paying attention to little food details can be annoying when it comes to dating! Finding a meaningful relationship can be difficult enough, but finding someone who is sympathetic to food allergies is just one more quality added to the checklist. In order to have a healthy and safe relationship, it is important to have an open line of communication. Depending on the severity of your allergy, physical contact can be dangerous. Simple gestures such as holding hands, touching another person’s face, and especially kissing can result in an allergic reaction.

The most important thing to do is just ask! It is amazing how much this can accomplish. Though some may argue that conversation ruins the atmosphere, taking that step before a situation becomes dangerous is always a smart move. A serious reaction could really ruin the atmosphere!

Once you have inquired, and the answer is a definitive ‘no,’ you should be fine. If they don’t sound so sure, you should ask them to wash their hands and face with soap, and also to brush their teeth. Remember though, if they had some of your food allergen very recently, washing and brushing probably won’t get rid of it entirely: only a few hours time can do that. It clearly is better to be safe and avoid any potential problem.

This coming Valentine’s Day, be careful to stay away from risky foods. Don’t get distracted by a romantic atmosphere. A good Valentine will understand the severity of food allergies, and will avoid any dangerous foods in order to enjoy your company.