I’ve had celiac disease long enough to stop pretending I’m “chill” about food.

I’m not.
And I’m done apologizing for it.

Here are a few things I’m not afraid to admit anymore — said with love, a little snark, and the deep exhaustion of someone who is just… over it.

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I don’t trust “gluten-friendly.”

That phrase means nothing to me.

• It’s marketing.
• It’s vague.
• It’s designed to make you feel better — not necessarily to keep me safe.

If your menu says “gluten-friendly” but your kitchen is a gluten-filled war zone, I’m out. Eating shouldn’t feel like playing Russian roulette with my health.

So yes — I’m going to ask a million questions to figure out what “gluten-friendly” actually means to your restaurant.

“Gluten-friendly” is not a safety protocol. It’s a vibe — and vibes don’t protect my intestines.

I’d rather skip eating than get sick.

This one surprises people.

I want to be with you.
I want to be part of the fun.
I want to stay healthy.

So sometimes that means:

• I’ll sit there with a drink.
• I’ll eat before or after.
• I’ll survive.

But if you care about me, let’s find something I can eat too. Support my gluten-free life the same way I supported your bad haircuts and emotionally questionable breakups.

I’m tired of being told, “A little won’t hurt.”

It will.

Maybe immediately.
Maybe later.
Maybe physically.
Maybe mentally.

Whether you see my reaction or not doesn’t matter. It still hurts. I’ve told you I can’t. Please believe me.

I don’t owe anyone my medical history.

Sometimes I explain.
Sometimes I educate.
Sometimes I don’t have the energy.

“No, thank you” is a complete sentence.
“So I don’t get sick” is more than enough information.

If that makes someone uncomfortable, that’s not my problem to fix.

I get sad about food sometimes.

I miss convenience.
I miss spontaneity.
I miss not having to plan every single meal like a military operation.

Both things can be true:
I’m grateful I can manage this disease and sometimes it still really sucks.

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If you’re newly diagnosed: you’re not dramatic, difficult, or overreacting.
If you’ve been doing this for years: you’re allowed to be tired.
If you’re somewhere in between: you’re doing the best you can.

These are the things I’m not afraid to admit anymore.

What about you?

If this resonated, share it with someone who still thinks “a little gluten” is a suggestion.