DEAR Jasminda,

SIX weeks ago, I was invited to my boyfriend’s parents’ house for dinner. He neglected to tell them that I can’t stomach pork, and to be polite I forced myself to eat it and hid little bits of it under my salad, but I somehow got through the night.

My boyfriend thought it was hilarious because he knows I don’t like speaking up.

I could have coped with that, but now we get invited over every fortnight and it is always Sunday Roast Pork night.

I’m starting to dread these nights, but I don’t know how to tell them now.

Help!

Ms Suzy V.

 

Dear Suzy,

I think there is more than one pig in this equation, and you probably don’t need me to spell it out for you. If you were anaphylactic, would your boyfriend find it funny to suggest to his mother that honey prawns in sesame seeds was your all-time favourite?

How about if you were lactose intolerant and he encouraged his mum to make a creamy, dairy-rich dessert?

His insensitivity is astounding, and it really isn’t a great start to a long-term relationship (if that’s what you are looking for).

You have been a good sport about this, but the subterfuge needs to end. And don’t make excuses such as being on a special eating plan, or anything that will make it easier for him. Simply say to your boyfriend that you will not be attending any more family dinners until he comes clean with his parents about your eating preferences.

Either that or invite them to your house and say you’ve been doing some research about how we should be eating more bugs, before you serve up a big plate of Chilli-lime Grasshoppers followed by Spicy Cicada popcorn and Mealworm Banoffee Pie.

Then let’s see who is squirming in their seat.

Carpe diem,
Jasminda.