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I have an unexpected new problem, and I wonder if anyone else has run into
this.

My friend Kay and her husband came for dinner a couple of months ago. I was
very tired of her telling me how sorry she felt for me having my new food
restrictions, even though I kept telling her it wasn't that bad and I still
eat well (and feel well to boot!) So, I wanted to make something very nice to
prove I didn't need her pity. She always talks about her gourmet cooking, so I
used a cookbook.

I made a mostly oriental meal, all from scratch to be sure it was safe. We had
Hot and Sour Soup, Stir Fry Pork with Vegetables, Bon Bon Chicken, Chocolate
Cake with Chocolate Frosting, and Lemon Cake with Icing and Lemon Sorbet. (OK,
I like dessert.) It was fun to make, and all food I adore. And it wasn't too
much food.

I talked to Kay last night. She said she hasn't had us back for dinner because
she doesn't know what to make that won't poison me. I said, how about a salad
and a baked potato? A simple piece of meat or fish? I had already given her a
list of interesting safe condiments at her request... I just didn't get what
was the issue. She said, No, I have to make you something as good as you made
for me! I said, No you don't. And she said, Yes I do.

Today I realized my husband and I have given 5 or 6 dinner parties in the last
year, and we have not received a single return invitation. So now that I'm
healthy and strong am I going to be friendless? If they're not inviting us
back for dinner, then they're going to feel guilty and hate me. At least Kay
still talks to me on the telephone. Snif.

Mara in MA