Picky eaters - when does it become rude to you? (Italian, pickle)

[skyegirl]

Originally Posted by ELOrocks17

I disagree--If i do not like it, i will not eat it. Not trying to be rude, but, I am under no obligation to eat food someone else makes. Thats why I hate pot-lucks. Who knows how sanitary some peoples kitchens are?

I am the exact same way, and a very picky eater. I am never rude, I just say no thanks. I can't tell you how many parties and picnics I have gone home hungry because everything either has mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese or a pork product...all no-no's to me. Pot lucks are disgusting, blech. I am a virgo, can't help it

[PassTheChocolate]

Originally Posted by Gue

Much more annoying to me is when my childrens friends would come over and take a big helping & then not eating it.

I learned to make them try it first & then if they liked it, I would give them more.

Absolutely, I hate wasting food. It should be punishable by a tar and feathering.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by ELOrocks17

I disagree--If i do not like it, i will not eat it. Not trying to be rude, but, I am under no obligation to eat food someone else makes. Thats why I hate pot-lucks. Who knows how sanitary some peoples kitchens are?

I feel the same way. I've seen some kitchens that were downright disgusting. And people who have cats and let them walk all over the counters--no thanks!

[Woof Woof Woof!]

Originally Posted by annerk

I feel the same way. I've seen some kitchens that were downright disgusting. And people who have cats and let them walk all over the counters--no thanks!

I see this as a sign of a high-maintenance personality.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by Woof Woof Woof!

I see this as a sign of a high-maintenance personality.

Oh, did I hit a nerve?

Because I don't want to get food poisoning or have hair or fur in what I eat makes me "high-maintenance?" I see it as a sign of common sense.

[orangeapple]

Originally Posted by MooksterL1

Children have the right to like or dislike something just as we adults do. I am strict about things like kindness, respect, getting good grades, etc. with my children. Food, not so much

You've failed to realize that gulping down a few bites of food you do not like to be polite when a guest in someone's home is a part of kindness, respect & good manners. If you can hardly stomach it, then a few bites & claiming you're not very hungry is enough.

Also, how can children know what they like if they've never tried it?

My mom would tell me "just try a bite", and I did. If I still disliked it, then she did not force me to eat it. Sometimes years later, she'd ask me if I'd want to try it again and see if my palette has changed. That is how you widen your palette. Of course there are a few things I still do not like, but I look at picky eaters & pity them & wonder how much of their upbringing influenced it.

A parent's attitude towards food makes a big difference also. I saw my mom eating & cooking a variety, and she never offered to make us a separate meal just because something had complex flavors. So much so, that at restaurants I didn't even want the kid's chicken nugget crap...I wanted the "real" food everyone else got.

If your kid gets so stubborn they block out a whole food group, then you've probably got discipline and attitude problems with that kid which go beyond being picky.

[Woof Woof Woof!]

Originally Posted by annerk

Oh, did I hit a nerve?

Because I don't want to get food poisoning or have hair or fur in what I eat makes me "high-maintenance?"

My point exactly.

[MooksterL1]

You know, this thread has really made me appreciate my friends, the parents of my children's friends and our social circle even more than I did before.

[maciesmom]

Originally Posted by MooksterL1

You know, this thread has really made me appreciate my friends, the parents of my children's friends and our social circle even more than I did before.

You know, I was going to say the same thing - because of our friends, who cook differently than I do, my kids have had so many culinary opportunities - they have tried sushi, sashimi, tofu, a variety of Italian and Korean food as well as vegetarian fare I would not have even known about. When DD spent her spring break volunteering in the Dominican Republic she had the opportunity to try both goat and lamb meat as well as some fruits that she hadn't ever tried before. My kids can both be gracious guests in homes of people who have different culinary cultures. I believe these manners will serve them well throughout their lives.

[Colddiamond102]

So waht about people like me that pick apart..well...everything? I dont like my food touching, so when I have a sandwhich, I eat the bread first, then the meat, etc. Is this rude? Ive done it since childhood, and hardly notice when I do it now.