There have been numerous times I have saved myself from having an allergic reaction. I get a feeling in my gut, a big red flashing NO sign in my mind, and I know not to eat. This gut feeling is momentous! It is a clear sign to me that if I feel uncomfortable eating something, I should not be eating it. It does not matter how good it looks, or how comfortable your family, friends, or the people at the restaurant are that it is safe. If I feel uncomfortable eating it, I don’t. No one is forcing me. That is why it is crucial to be comfortable enough with yourself to say no to something when it doesn’t feel right.
In April that same year my family decided to stop at Disney on our way to another part of Florida. We went to the same Italian restaurant in Epcot. When I ordered I asked the waiter about the oil. He said it was fine and insisted there were no nuts in the oil. My parents agreed it was fine, even after explaining to both about my experience there in February. I decided I didn’t believe my parents or the waiter, and refused to eat. I said we needed to ask the manager, and insisted the manager come over. I just knew. I felt this knot of anxiety in my throat. It turned out I was right. The manager was glad I had brought it to his attention. After this experience I think my parents became even more aware of my strong sense of independence, responsibility, and confidence in myself. I took control of the situation. I made my own decision. I saved my own life. “Phew…” is more of what I thought. Close call number one thousand! You as an allergic reactor need to learn to trust yourself and feel confident with the decisions you make. You can do it, too!
I can “see” when something had allergens in it, with out being able to explain how.