Lifelong picky eater here (though I’ve gotten better over time):

1) I really focused in college and the years shortly after on making sure I could eat SOMETHING at any type of restaurant. Started with the easy ones: orange chicken at a Chinese place, Alfredo sauce at an Italian place, etc. Worked up from there. All ethnicities, all types of food. I can (and happily do!) eat everywhere. Thai, Vietnamese, French, Ethiopian, Mexican, sushi, etc. I’ve got something I can order. My one hold out exception is some vegan/vegetarian cafes with limited menus, but that’s just not that common. So I’m almost never the one saying “oh, there’s nothing for me to eat there.”

2) My husband is the cook, and while I wouldn’t like it all the time, I encourage him to sometimes cook food I don’t like. I eat a side (or honestly, nothing sometimes) and grab something on my own later. I want my kids to be exposed to all kinds of foods and not have my limited palate, and we’re big on family dinners.

3) Honestly, I avoid dinner parties other than close, close friends. I’m not comfortable telling other people what they can’t cook, but I’m also not comfortable with people cooking a whole meal for me and then not eating it. Nor do I want to spend a whole evening hungry.

I decline invitations (for example, sushi or steakhouse) or I just don't eat/pick at bread and sides. I never insist on going somewhere just for my tastes. The food I make at home is far tastier and healthier (I don't say this) so it's no skin off my back. Agree with PP that I don't want to draw attention to myself and wish people would never notice or comment. Once was at a work breakfast that served only bacon and eggs and fruit and everyone was making a big deal about why I was only eating the fruit.

Anonymous wrote:

If you indulge your pickiness to the point that literally anyone even notices, you are being a bad guest. I have a former roommate who was an extremely picky eater, and the only reason I knew about it at all was that I lived with her, and she challenged herself a lot because she cared about her nutritional needs, and she had a job that involved a lot of travel and corporate dinners and parties. When we went to parties and dinners, she ate beforehand and managed herself in such a way that no one noticed or cared how much she ate, or what she ate. I can think of a thousand ways not to eat every bite of every thing and have no one notice.

You're so wrong about this.

I do not make faces at food, I do not comment about food I do not like. But there are certain people watch what everyone eats and make comments about it. These people love to make a spectacle of picky eaters and we hate it. Just stop. Enjoy your food, enjoy your conversations, and never ever ever comment on what people eat or don't eat.

Again, no one here has said that people should observe and make comments. We all agree that is rude. But that's not what this thread is about.

You are trying to deflect because you don't like that, right now in this particular thread, the questions are for and about picky eaters. If you want to discuss other topics, start another thread.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a gross question.

No it isn't.

Adult picky eaters are the most annoying people on the planet, especially when they start complaining about food at restaurants and dominate meal choices in the kitchen. Fo you're a picky eater, then the onus is on you and you should take a backseat 100% of the time when it comes time to picking restaurants or ideas for meals at home. Cook for yourself at home, and eat bread and butter only, at the restauran,t if you have to. Many of us like to enjoy the spices of life and get sick and tired of pasta and meatballs or meat and potatoes every meal.

I don’t complain. I never dictate the restaurant. Since I’m the cook at home I do determine the menu, but do cook some things I don’t like because certain people in my family like them. I love spicy food as well as meat and potatoes. I don’t like fish despite having tried many varieties in many different preparations. I no longer try it because I want to enjoy food I eat. If it’s offered at a dinner I will pass on it and enthusiastically take portions of other goods offered. What I don’t want is commentary pointing out that i didn’t take any fish. I’m not bypassing the fish to snub the host. And if you make faces at my choice or say something about it, it reflects poorly on you, not me. If you notice and say nothing, we’re fine.

My in laws are picky. One of them is a face maker, the others just order burgers and chicken fingers happily, never eaten Thai or sushi or Ethiopian.

When they visit I make what appeals to them. It's not that big of a deal. I am not a picky eater, but there are 1-2 foods that taste gross to me but others like. I wouldn't want others to force me to eat them. I assume people don't WANT to be picky. Let's just let people be individuals

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is a gross question.

No it isn't.

Adult picky eaters are the most annoying people on the planet, especially when they start complaining about food at restaurants and dominate meal choices in the kitchen. Fo you're a picky eater, then the onus is on you and you should take a backseat 100% of the time when it comes time to picking restaurants or ideas for meals at home. Cook for yourself at home, and eat bread and butter only, at the restauran,t if you have to. Many of us like to enjoy the spices of life and get sick and tired of pasta and meatballs or meat and potatoes every meal.

Why are you not just talking to the people in your household who are causing these problems? Tell them what you're advising people here because this isn't some universal problem everyone deals with.

Adult picky eaters are annoying but so are people who pay attention to what others are eating.

^^are

If you indulge your pickiness to the point that literally anyone even notices, you are being a bad guest. I have a former roommate who was an extremely picky eater, and the only reason I knew about it at all was that I lived with her, and she challenged herself a lot because she cared about her nutritional needs, and she had a job that involved a lot of travel and corporate dinners and parties. When we went to parties and dinners, she ate beforehand and managed herself in such a way that no one noticed or cared how much she ate, or what she ate. I can think of a thousand ways not to eat every bite of every thing and have no one notice.

You're so wrong about this.

I do not make faces at food, I do not comment about food I do not like. But there are certain people watch what everyone eats and make comments about it. These people love to make a spectacle of picky eaters and we hate it. Just stop. Enjoy your food, enjoy your conversations, and never ever ever comment on what people eat or don't eat.

I'm not sure either of you ar wrong. Extend that rule about "never ever ever comment on what people eat or don't eat" to not commenting on your own choices as well, and you're good.

Anonymous wrote:This is a gross question.

No it isn't.

Adult picky eaters are the most annoying people on the planet, especially when they start complaining about food at restaurants and dominate meal choices in the kitchen. Fo you're a picky eater, then the onus is on you and you should take a backseat 100% of the time when it comes time to picking restaurants or ideas for meals at home. Cook for yourself at home, and eat bread and butter only, at the restauran,t if you have to. Many of us like to enjoy the spices of life and get sick and tired of pasta and meatballs or meat and potatoes every meal.

If you indulge your pickiness to the point that literally anyone even notices, you are being a bad guest. I have a former roommate who was an extremely picky eater, and the only reason I knew about it at all was that I lived with her, and she challenged herself a lot because she cared about her nutritional needs, and she had a job that involved a lot of travel and corporate dinners and parties. When we went to parties and dinners, she ate beforehand and managed herself in such a way that no one noticed or cared how much she ate, or what she ate. I can think of a thousand ways not to eat every bite of every thing and have no one notice.

You're so wrong about this.

I do not make faces at food, I do not comment about food I do not like. But there are certain people watch what everyone eats and make comments about it. These people love to make a spectacle of picky eaters and we hate it. Just stop. Enjoy your food, enjoy your conversations, and never ever ever comment on what people eat or don't eat.

I am a somewhat picky eater- I used to be extremely picky but have grown out of most of it.

I can find something at almost all restaurants. If a friend wants to go to all-you-can-eat sushi, I will say that I'm not the best person to go with because while there is stuff for me to eat, I don't like rolls and am not helpful in sharing them.

My biggest issues now are spice level, and I am not a huge meat eater (outside of chicken) - I don't really need to tell people anything because I can find something that fits within that usually. I have a one modification rule only at restaurants (usually no tomato or no bacon).

My DH is a picky eater. Not so extreme that he can't eat at restaurants, but our close friends and family all know his "preferences" and check with me while menu planning if they're hosting dinner. He's gotten better at picking around items he doesn't like instead of passing on an entire dish, but it's definitely shaped the way our entire family cooks and eats.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Trust me, the burden is on me. I will eat what I like, and if the food is unpleasant to me, I will be hungry until I can get home and fix myself something later. I never make demands. This is the most important thing: I absolutely do not want anyone to notice or comment on what I eat. If you comment on what other people are consuming, you're the AH. Keep your opinions on what other people should or should not be eating or drinking to yourself.

I’m sorry, can you show me where anyone suggested that anyone say anything to adult picky eaters? You may want to start your own thread, since you have nothing to contribute to this one.

I’m a somewhat picky eater and totally understand where PP is coming from. I make sure to take food I like but don’t need people making nasty faces when I don’t take some of everything. I’ve read many posts on here where hosts disparage their guests for not eating everything that was served since they worked so hard to impress with the meal. Fine. I get it. But, please remember that the point of inviting others for a meal is not to show off your culinary prowess, but to spend time with others. When you’re the host, you’re supposed to make your guest feel comfortable and welcome.

If you indulge your pickiness to the point that literally anyone even notices, you are being a bad guest. I have a former roommate who was an extremely picky eater, and the only reason I knew about it at all was that I lived with her, and she challenged herself a lot because she cared about her nutritional needs, and she had a job that involved a lot of travel and corporate dinners and parties. When we went to parties and dinners, she ate beforehand and managed herself in such a way that no one noticed or cared how much she ate, or what she ate. I can think of a thousand ways not to eat every bite of every thing and have no one notice.

This is ridiculous. People literally ask you why don't you try the whatever or if you want a bite.

There are ways to make it look like you did. Hint: making faces, not putting even a small portion on your plate, or loudly saying you hate fish is not the way.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Trust me, the burden is on me. I will eat what I like, and if the food is unpleasant to me, I will be hungry until I can get home and fix myself something later. I never make demands. This is the most important thing: I absolutely do not want anyone to notice or comment on what I eat. If you comment on what other people are consuming, you're the AH. Keep your opinions on what other people should or should not be eating or drinking to yourself.

I’m sorry, can you show me where anyone suggested that anyone say anything to adult picky eaters? You may want to start your own thread, since you have nothing to contribute to this one.

I’m a somewhat picky eater and totally understand where PP is coming from. I make sure to take food I like but don’t need people making nasty faces when I don’t take some of everything. I’ve read many posts on here where hosts disparage their guests for not eating everything that was served since they worked so hard to impress with the meal. Fine. I get it. But, please remember that the point of inviting others for a meal is not to show off your culinary prowess, but to spend time with others. When you’re the host, you’re supposed to make your guest feel comfortable and welcome.

If you indulge your pickiness to the point that literally anyone even notices, you are being a bad guest. I have a former roommate who was an extremely picky eater, and the only reason I knew about it at all was that I lived with her, and she challenged herself a lot because she cared about her nutritional needs, and she had a job that involved a lot of travel and corporate dinners and parties. When we went to parties and dinners, she ate beforehand and managed herself in such a way that no one noticed or cared how much she ate, or what she ate. I can think of a thousand ways not to eat every bite of every thing and have no one notice.

This is ridiculous. People literally ask you why don't you try the whatever or if you want a bite.