Don't Judge Me for Being a Picky Eater

"Seriously, you don't like apples?"

"Seriously." I say, trying to hide my aggravation.

"Have you ever tried them?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure? Why don't you try them again?"

Oh, here we go again. "I'm OK."

"But your taste buds change, just try it again."

"Thank you, Einstein," is what I really want to say but instead I just reply, "I'm really OK, thank you though."

"You're so weird."

This is a plea for all of you non-picky eaters who feel the need to constantly question and criticize my picky eating habits: STOP!

As a picky eater my entire life, I have had the above conversation many times over a large list of foods that I don't like, including but not limited to any type of fruit, most vegetables, any condiments, peanut butter, jelly, and most chocolate. Along with this conversation, I have been called annoying and difficult, and forced to try foods for the millionth time just to shut someone up.

I simply don't understand what people's fascination is with what I do and don't like to eat; however, it seems to be the talk of the town.

As much as you'd like to think that I choose not to eat certain foods just to annoy you or be difficult, the truth is I choose not to eat those foods because I just don't like them. I don't enjoy the taste, and I don't feel the need to eat things that I don't like. I can't help that my taste buds don't like a certain type of food; I didn't choose what taste buds I got when I was born. It would actually be much easier for myself if I did like certain things. Then I wouldn't have to hear you anymore, and when the fast food place messes up my plain cheeseburger, I wouldn't have to give it away or go back.

I don't go around questioning why you do like certain foods, so why do you keep asking me why I don't like things? No matter how many times you ask, I'm going to tell you I just don't like it. It's just a waste of both of our time and something that frankly shouldn't concern you so much.

When you tell me that my taste buds change, I'm fully aware of this fact. That is why I do make myself try things again every once in awhile, but you holding the food in front of me, nagging me to try something, should not be happening. I will try something again if I want to; I don't need you to follow me around and remind me. Thank you for your concern though.

As far as me being difficult to cook for, don't worry about me. I may be picky, but I'm not hard to please. I'm perfectly fine making myself a grilled cheese if there is something you cook that I don't like. Don't get mad and feel bad for me; there are no hard feelings. You enjoy your food and let me enjoy my grilled cheese in peace.

I dream of a world in which people can eat whatever they want (or avoid whatever they want), without judgment or harassment.

Please, leave me alone about my picky eating habits. I'm aware that I'm picky; you telling me isn't going to change it. I don't mean to be difficult or annoying, and if I say I don't like something, believe me and don't continue to pry into my experiences with that food.

A huge thank you from all the picky eaters!

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