Is it just a fear of missing out? Or really missing out?
Celiac disease affects the social life the most, even more than the diet. I feel it is not talked about enough.
Hello friend,
Let me tell you a simple yet informative tale.
For context, I live with celiac disease which triggers my immune system to attack my own body, if I eat gluten. So I have to avoid consuming the slightest amount of gluten.
I was invited to my office to exercise a couple of team-building days. For someone with celiac disease who works from home in a different city, flying and staying in a hotel, by itself, was overwhelming. On top of that, lunch was to be provided by the office.
If you have any dietary restrictions, you know how collective lunches can be nerve-wracking. For me, it’s easy to spot: gluten crumbs flying across dishes, shared serving spoons, double dipping and on and on. I anxiously shared my anxiety with my manager when the plans were announced. Thankfully, she listened to me patiently and offered to buy me lunch. However, I wouldn’t let anyone bear the cost of my condition.
Later that day, all of us got an email from the organiser asking about allergies and dietary restrictions. I responded with details, waiting for an assurance. No response. There was no response about allergy considerations for the lunch. I assumed that there wouldn’t be any food safe for me. My presumption was confirmed a few days later when I was already there.
Following the response, or lack thereof, I decided to bring packed lunches both days. My manager put me in touch with someone living with celiac disease in that city. I was grateful for I got some safe restaurant recommendations. One of my colleagues planned a lunch with four people. When she asked for my dietary needs, I was able to pick a place. This intimate group was very considerate. Thankfully, that left me with only one day of questionable lunch. I can manage that, right? Let’s see how I did.
I got into the hotel late that night. Thankfully, I had a gluten-free dinner before reaching. I planned to buy the next day’s lunch after settling in, but it was too late to go out. Besides, my head hurt after flight delays and such. So, I just decided to sleep.
The next morning, I woke up and went down to the hotel breakfast where only boiled eggs and fruits were sure to be free of cross-contamination. So, I couldn’t really pack lunch from there.
By the time I finished, it was already time to leave for the event. Yes, you’re right. I reached there without a packed lunch. I went out during lunchtime looking for safe food in a new city. While others were taking the opportunity to make friends and get to know each other. I missed out on networking with my team that day. The next day, it was a more private group lunch, where I could connect, but not with all the people.
I work from home. I barely get to see people from my department, let alone make friends with them. I couldn’t understand the inside jokes after the lunch hour. Lunch hour is the time when everyone socialises, The rest of the time we are simply having work-related discussions.
Do you think I missed out on certain aspects of a team-building day? I surely feel so. I feel it’s not a fear of missing out that comes with celiac disease, but actually missing out.
I would love to learn about your experience(s) in such situations. Please share.