Page 77 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

wrong with allowing him or her to eat your allergen on days when you won’t be seeing each other. This situation would make me a little nervous though just because I couldn’t be entirely sure of how seriously my boyfriend was taking my allergies. Agreeing to drop the food entirely shows an understanding of the severity of the situation and eating habits can always be altered later once he better understands how allergies work.
Lindsay - My boyfriend is a vegetarian. So he cannot completely eliminate nuts from his diet as it’s a great source of protein for him. He did stop eating peanuts since I am severely allergic to them. When he knows he is seeing me, he will try to avoid other nuts and will brush his teeth before we get together.
Nick - In the past, I wouldn’t make my girlfriend stop eating my allergen entirely. I don’t see it as fair on my part. However, on days we would do things or see each other, she would go out of her way to avoid my allergen.
Have you ever had a reaction from kissing someone?
Hannah - I have never had a reaction from kissing someone. But I know it is possible and can be a very serious thing. That’s why it’s important to tell your date about your allergies before things get very awkward very fast!
Kyle – I had a reaction after my girlfriend and I kissed. I had no clue where the reaction was coming from until I asked her what she ate that day. I found out that she had eggs (my allergen) for breakfast. Luckily it was not a major reaction!
Lindsay - I have luckily never had any serious reaction from kissing someone. There have been one or two times where I felt a bit funny. But it went away very quickly.
Nick - Nope. I can’t say I have!
Do you ask people if they have eaten your allergen before kissing?
Hannah - If you and your date haven’t discussed your allergies previously, it is very important to ask what he or she has eaten before you kiss. If you want to avoid this awkward situation, just talk about it before the moment happens and that should smooth things over!
Lindsay - I try my best to do this every time before I kiss somebody that is not very familiar with my allergies or if it is somebody new I am dating. It can be awkward and embarrassing. But, if you are casual about it, and the other person likes you, it will be fine!
Nick - It depends on the situation of the kiss and how far the relationship is. If I have been hanging around them for a bit, I assume it is safe. But, if you are unsure, definitely ask.