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I'd like to thank the dozens and dozens of listmates who took their time and
effort to respond to my question(s): 1) What should I do when I cook for
friends/family and they don't often tell me the food was good, but say they
thought there was something different or not quite what they expected when I
mention something in the meal was GF, even though almost all of them seem to
enjoy the meal and even want seconds? and 2) What might cause the apparent
difference in how much food they eat and what they say about it later?

Most respondents thought I should cook meals that are naturally GF and/or I
should not mention anything about any part of the meal being GF. I only
received one vicious reply, so I count myself fortunate. I do try to cook
meals that are naturally GF - things like veggie beef soup or chili or
spaghetti (using Tinkyada pasta). The problem comes in when I want to serve
hot garlic bread or rolls, so I guess I'll need to find other accompaniments
that won't be so obviously GF items. To the few people who suggested that I
could serve my guests gluten bread, that is not an option; I don't allow
gluten in my home.

A few people addressed the second question, noting that the disconnect
between how much everyone seemed to enjoy the food and what they said about
it later was most likely a psychological issue or a texture thing - or they
didn't know how to explain the disconnect, themselves. As I suspected, at
least half of those who responded face the same issues I asked about.

Several people replied that I should simply find something to do during
meals, such as watching TV or reading, and eat alone. Some picked up on
sharing a GF meal at places like Jason's Deli and thought I shouldn't waste
the money to share a GF sandwich with a non-celiac person, or take the
remaining half of the sandwich home for another meal.

If any of those suggestions work for any of those who were anxious to read
this summary, then I'm glad I asked the questions. I think in reading all of
the replies I received, I realized that for now, there likely isn't a good
answer for either of my questions, for me, anyway. That's not to say that I
won't change some things, but changing something, no matter what it is,
usually brings other issues.

Thanks, again, for everyone's attention to my queries. This is the most
difficult diet to manage...I suppose we should expect the social issues
surrounding it to be just as difficult to manage. Best wishes to everyone
who is sharing the same difficulties.

Cheers ~~
Ayn in Kansas

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