- Welcome to Food Allergy Support.
Posted by Ra3chel
- August 06, 2012, 02:13:56 AMJust fine. Thanks for the help, all!
Posted by becca
- July 30, 2012, 09:45:40 AMHow dit the food situation go, Ra3?
Posted by SweetandSour
- July 24, 2012, 12:14:49 PMQuote from: Ra3chel on July 23, 2012, 03:45:12 PM
Now I just have to figure out what to wear...
I have had more issues picking an outfit than I do with dealing with the food sometimes.
Posted by Macabre
- July 23, 2012, 10:10:45 PMI liked your tack. I find self-deprecation to the extent I can pull it off works well for me in work situations.
Posted by Ra3chel
- July 23, 2012, 04:27:08 PMQuote from: CMdeux on July 23, 2012, 04:20:11 PM
<helpfully>
Clothing?
Then again; in at least one of the airports you'll be using, that is also "optional."
Yeah, but I'll be going there directly from my frigid office. It'd probably be too much trouble to strip down en route.
Sometimes I really hate working in a "cool/creative" industry. Times like this, having a default uniform or even degree of formality would be awfully nice.
Posted by CMdeux
- July 23, 2012, 04:20:11 PM<helpfully>
Clothing?
Then again; in at least one of the airports you'll be using, that is also "optional."
Clothing?
Then again; in at least one of the airports you'll be using, that is also "optional."
Posted by Ra3chel
- July 23, 2012, 03:45:12 PMNow I just have to figure out what to wear... 
Posted by SweetandSour
- July 23, 2012, 03:42:19 PMI think that was perfect! Have a safe time!!
Posted by CMdeux
- July 23, 2012, 02:57:26 PMOooo-- super-cool response = AWESOME!
(less travel stress is also equally awesome.)
Hope you have a successful and low-stress trip!
(less travel stress is also equally awesome.)
Hope you have a successful and low-stress trip!
Posted by rebekahc
- July 23, 2012, 02:56:06 PMPosted by Ra3chel
- July 23, 2012, 02:45:34 PMThanks, all.
I ended up going with
Because it's going to be complicated no matter how it goes--I have a long list of severe FA, mostly non-top-8; and a pretty tight comfort zone when I'm traveling--I wanted to open the conversation without implying that there would definitely be a way for them to accomodate me.
The response was really positive, so I followed up at more length, hitting the following points:
-What I'm allergic to.
-That I'm totally fine brown-bagging but know that can make other people uncomfortable and sometimes come off as rude, especially in business contexts; but that I also know I'm a pain to accommodate; and that, with both of those in mind, I'd like to go with whatever would work most smoothly for them and will absolutely not be offended or put out whichever way they go.
-Types of restaurants that usually, rarely, and pretty much never work for me.
-That if we do go out, I'll need to talk to the restaurant, ideally ahead of time since we'll be on a pretty tight schedule.
Fingers crossed!
ETA: They're being super cool about it. YAY!
I ended up going with
Quote
With regards to lunch--
I have pretty ridiculous food allergies. If we could touch base briefly about lunch plans before Wednesday, that would be great.
Sorry for the inconvenience. In the [stuff specific to meeting], it completely slipped my mind that I should have brought this up sooner.
Thanks,
Ra3chel
Because it's going to be complicated no matter how it goes--I have a long list of severe FA, mostly non-top-8; and a pretty tight comfort zone when I'm traveling--I wanted to open the conversation without implying that there would definitely be a way for them to accomodate me.
The response was really positive, so I followed up at more length, hitting the following points:
-What I'm allergic to.
-That I'm totally fine brown-bagging but know that can make other people uncomfortable and sometimes come off as rude, especially in business contexts; but that I also know I'm a pain to accommodate; and that, with both of those in mind, I'd like to go with whatever would work most smoothly for them and will absolutely not be offended or put out whichever way they go.
-Types of restaurants that usually, rarely, and pretty much never work for me.
-That if we do go out, I'll need to talk to the restaurant, ideally ahead of time since we'll be on a pretty tight schedule.
Fingers crossed!
ETA: They're being super cool about it. YAY!
Posted by CMdeux
- July 23, 2012, 01:33:39 PMYup. What Rebekah said.
This way, if they plan to serve something that poses a contact risk, you can either ask for changes... or if it's too late, you can either be a LOT more proactive about hands/surfaces yourself, or worst case scenario, out yourself and make an apologetic request for people to wash hands after lunch.
KWIM?
This way, if they plan to serve something that poses a contact risk, you can either ask for changes... or if it's too late, you can either be a LOT more proactive about hands/surfaces yourself, or worst case scenario, out yourself and make an apologetic request for people to wash hands after lunch.
KWIM?
Posted by rebekahc
- July 23, 2012, 01:28:04 PMI think I'd be inclined to just say:
"Could you please let me know what will be served for lunch? I have food allergies and need to plan accordingly."
That way you open to door for them to ask how to accommodate you, but aren't forcing them. If you find the food will be unsafe, just let them know you'll be packing your own - again, this may open the door for them to offer to make changes. If it will be unsafe to be in the room (and they haven't offered), then I'd ask for changes to make it safe to attend.
"Could you please let me know what will be served for lunch? I have food allergies and need to plan accordingly."
That way you open to door for them to ask how to accommodate you, but aren't forcing them. If you find the food will be unsafe, just let them know you'll be packing your own - again, this may open the door for them to offer to make changes. If it will be unsafe to be in the room (and they haven't offered), then I'd ask for changes to make it safe to attend.
Posted by SweetandSour
- July 23, 2012, 01:12:10 PMI agree with Becca. I would just lay my allergies out, and ask if there is someone that you would be able to speak with. That way, it gives them something to respond to you with instead of just an "ok" with no further contact.
Posted by becca
- July 23, 2012, 12:47:58 PMHmmm. It depends what your expectations are. Do you want the food all safe for you to eat, or safe to be in the room, and what does that require?
I am responding here, because I saw you mention it in another thread. So, as a person without food allergies, but planning the food, I would want more information from you, if you are hoping to safely eat the food. Your note would leave me wondering what I am expected to do. KWIM? That said, I am very direct, and prefer direct communication if there is something expected of me.
How about something more direct(but not demanding, which I think you are concerned about). Like:
"WRT lunch for the meetings, I have several food allergies. Can I discuss the possible options with you." Or maybe ask to see the catering menu and contact? Something that allows the person to truly respond with something helpful.
I am responding here, because I saw you mention it in another thread. So, as a person without food allergies, but planning the food, I would want more information from you, if you are hoping to safely eat the food. Your note would leave me wondering what I am expected to do. KWIM? That said, I am very direct, and prefer direct communication if there is something expected of me.
How about something more direct(but not demanding, which I think you are concerned about). Like:
"WRT lunch for the meetings, I have several food allergies. Can I discuss the possible options with you." Or maybe ask to see the catering menu and contact? Something that allows the person to truly respond with something helpful.