I’ve been collecting these over the past several months.
Here are a few comparisons between living with celiac disease and regular everyday life:
Being at the hottest new restaurant with no gluten-free options is like being thirsty and stranded on a boat in the middle of the ocean.
Worrying about gluten exposure is like hiding while a chainsaw-wielding madman waits on the other side of the wall.
Asking about cross-contact is like being a detective interviewing suspects who all say, “I think it’s probably fine.”
Trusting a shared fryer is like borrowing a toothbrush from a stranger.
Going to a potluck is like walking through a minefield with a blindfold on.
Reading an ingredient label is like reviewing a contract written by someone actively trying to confuse you.
Hearing “gluten-friendly” is like seeing a life jacket labeled “water-resistant” while standing on a boat with a hole in it.
Being told to “just pick it off” is like being told to remove the poison ivy after you’ve already rolled in it.
Going somewhere without gluten-free snacks is like leaving home with 2% phone battery and no charger.
Asking whether the kitchen changed gloves is like asking whether the doctor washed their hands before your colonoscopy.
Being the only gluten-free person at dinner is like being the designated driver at a wine tasting.
Ordering from a waiter who keeps saying, “I’m pretty sure,” is like boarding a plane piloted by someone who watched a YouTube tutorial five minutes before entering the cockpit.
Explaining celiac disease at every meal is like giving the same PowerPoint presentation three times a day for the rest of your life.
Being told “a little won’t hurt” is like being told a tiny hole in the boat is no big deal.
Seeing crumbs in the butter is like finding a hair in your food—except the hair has consequences.
Being handed a plain salad while everyone else gets a feast is like getting socks for Christmas while everyone else gets a puppy.
Living with celiac disease is like being told the tooth fairy is real but has decided your house is outside the delivery area.
Living gluten-free in this gluten-covered world can feel like every one of these analogies—and sometimes all of them in the same day.
Add yours in the comments. But more importantly, share this post with the friends and family who want to understand what living with celiac disease actually feels like.
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