Copyright berkshireeagle
DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law is a very generous lady. She pays for nearly everything as far as food and necessities for our family when she visits twice a year. She's a foodie, which means when she's here, we eat at any restaurant she hasn't tried. She'll order nearly every appetizer on the menu and encourage each of us to order something different so we can all sample a variety of entrees. The dessert menu is no exception. I have dietary issues and have only recently figured out which foods don't make me uncomfortable. I can no longer tolerate dairy, fatty foods, etc. The menu items at most restaurants contain those things. When I politely refuse certain appetizers or sides with my entrees, she becomes upset. I understand, as she does pay for everything. How can I get around not compromising my health with her generosity? -- PERPLEXED IN COLORADO DEAR PERPLEXED: The conversation you must have with your mother-in-law should take place privately, and not while you are at a restaurant ordering food. You may need to have it more than once, and in advance of her visit. If necessary, explain, IN DETAIL, how severe your digestive issues are. Then, when you and the family dine out, tell the server who is taking your order exactly what you need.
