Dating with Food Allergies

Dating if you have food allergies is no easy feat. If your partner eats something you're allergic to and then kisses you, you could wind up having an allergic reaction such as a racing heart, wheezing, hives, etc..

When you start dating, you should immediately tell your partner about your food allergies. Your partner may be scared away with this information since it may be something new to them. They may feel overwhelmed and like they may not be able to keep you safe. Don't give up if this partner leaves and you never see them again. Keep searching for the one person that will stick around after you've told them about the food allergies. The person that stays with you is someone you know you can trust to follow certain dietary rules you must abide by to stay safe. This person should also be willing to avoid eating the foods you're allergic to so you don't have a reaction when you kiss. This person will not want to make you sick, but keep you safe. However, if you do have an allergic reaction, your partner should know what to do. Be sure to explain the use of your Epi-pen auto injector, and the importance of Benadryl or Zyrtec that you should also have with you. Your date should know where you wear your Medic Alert bracelet or necklace and understand why you wear one.

Let your partner know about your emergency action plan, which you should have with you at all times. Emergency action plans forms are available at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at http://www.aaaai./patients/resources.

If you go out for long outings, be sure to have safe snacks in your bag. If you're going on a dinner date, be sure you eat at a place you trust to make you a safe meal. Or, you can opt for other date places such as going to a concert, a movie, sports events, art exhibits, indoor rock climbing, skiing, hiking and skating.

Two women in particular, have experienced the dating scene while having food allergies.

Lori Medoff, a divorced mother of two and a Montreal optometrist, told the new man in her life, Kenny Webber about her severe allergy to fish. Kenny accepted the news as just another facet in what he was hoping would become a relationship. When Webber arrived at Lori's place with food, Lori noticed that sushi wasn't all vegetarian. Salmon Roe was sprinkled on top.

She had to explain all over again why should couldn't eat fish. If she ate even a hint of salmon, her lips, and her throat would close and she wouldn't be able to breath, never mind kiss her new man. The couple skipped the food and went straight to kissing.

Andrea Shainblum is also from Montreal. When she was in her 20's and 30's she dated a lot. The men did not take her news of food allergies very well. Andrea has food allergies to sesame, peanuts, tree nuts and eggs. There was one boyfriend who swore off eating any food that she was allergic to. But Andrea found candy bar wrappers that had the warning "may contain traces of peanuts." Then she dated a doctor who was uncomfortable while Andrea told the waitress about her food allergies. The doctor's attitude changed and he left Andrea. Andrea moved on to the next guy who happened to me someone who cared for her and was willing to go without the foods Andrea was allergic to. Andrea is now married and the mother of a toddler.