<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Hi All-- First of all, thanks to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday - I'm getting old enough to not want to advertise it myself, but I'm still young enough to feel so pleased when people acknowledge it. Wow, lots of you have experienced similar situations (or are about to)! I received 60+ responses to my request for suggestions on how to handle the issue of my special diet in the face of a "possible" office celebration on my birthday, preferably without broadcasting to everyone that I have special dietary needs. The responses were pretty evenly broken out into four thoughts, with one additional category: 1. Tell someone I'm close to in the office about my dietary restrictions and give them the cake mixin's, pan, etc. and ask them if they would make a cake to bring; or at least confide in someone and perhaps suggest ice cream, fruit, flowers, etc. 2. Let people know that I'm having a birthday and because I have a rather fussy diet, I'll bring in the goodies. No need to go into details on the diet, but be informative if people inquire at the celebration. 3. Say nothing, but if there's a celebration and goodies I can't have, make a big fuss about how thoughtful everyone is, make a big ta'do about cutting the cake/pie/whatever and passing pieces around, but tell them I just had a big meal/snack/whatever and will just take a piece for later; or do all the fussing and be grateful, but tell them I have dietary restrictions/allergies that won't allow me to eat the goodies...but I'm pleased that everyone can share in my special day. 4. Bring a cupcake or goody for myself and if there's a celebration, do No. 3 above and eat the gf goody I brought for myself. Many of you thought this was an ideal opportunity to educate people - and I agree, wholeheartedly! One person asked why didn't I want to tell my coworkers about my diet restrictions. It isn't that I don't want my coworkers to know, I just think that bringing it up right before my birthday might appear to be a rather abrupt hint. This office *searches* for reasons to have potlucks, parties, lunches, treat days, etc., so I do want people to know my restrictions...but they forgot my birthday last year and I didn't want to make it an issue this year by mentioning my special diet...they may forget my birthday again this year. The last category is those wonderful suggestions that made me laugh, but probably weren't too practical. I haven't yet decided what I'll do. All of the suggestions were good...I'll let ya'all know what I finally decide and how it turns out. Hope this summary is helpful for those about to go through this same thing. I think the most important thing is to be gracious, don't get too heavy on details unless someone asks, and then perhaps only on a person by person basis. From what many of you told me and from reading "Against the Grain," social situations are not where you'd want to do brain surgery. Cheers, Ayn