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People become picky eaters for several reasons, including genetics, learned behaviors, and underlying medical or psychological conditions. Whatever the case, their preferences can sometimes pose a problem for those around them.
Take this man, for example. His aversion to all seasonings except for salt has made him a headache to deal with. He even caused a rift in his sister-in-law’s family, whose Christmas dinner plans had been ruined by his dietary restrictions.
The woman tasked with cooking dinner has gone on a rant online, which you will read below.
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It can be difficult to deal with a picky eater
Young woman arranging Christmas menu dishes at table, illustrating picky eater demands and family meal adjustments.
Genetics plays a role in people who grow up to be picky eaters
Ben’s food restrictions have caused a ton of frustration to the host family, which is understandable. However, he may not be entirely to blame.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, a specific gene known as TAS2R38 determines how strongly a person perceives bitter flavors. Further studies have found that adults with this bitter receptor have grown particular with their food preferences, some of whom have steered clear of sweets.
The report also noted that human taste is heavily influenced by environment and personal experiences. If a person is repeatedly exposed to specific foods at a young age, they are more likely to accept them as adults.
Mental conditions may also cause strict food preferences. While the author noted that Ben is “perfectly normal and healthy,” she may not be aware of other factors at play.
According to Monell Chemical Senses Center researcher Marcia Pelchat, depression may affect appetite in multiple ways. Worse, their pickiness may also exacerbate their mental state due to social impacts like the inability to go to restaurants or share meals with others.
Empathy and understanding are advised when dealing with picky eaters, such as offering them suitable food choices. The author did provide Ben with different options, which he declined and, instead, requested an unfair menu overhaul. Her refusal to comply was understandable, given that Ben wasn’t the only guest.
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The woman answered some questions from readers
Screenshot of a Reddit thread discussing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change the Christmas menu and facing backlash.
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Picky eater demands brother’s in-laws change Christmas menu, sparking debate over food allergies and family boundaries.
Online discussion about a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change entire Christmas menu and facing a reality check.
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Screenshot of an online discussion about a picky eater demanding a Christmas menu change at family gathering.
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Screenshot of online discussion about a picky eater demanding a Christmas menu change from brother’s in-laws.
Reddit discussion about a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change Christmas menu and facing backlash.
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Screenshot of a Reddit thread discussing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change Christmas menu.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment criticizing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change entire Christmas menu.
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Screenshot of a forum comment criticizing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change the entire Christmas menu.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change the Christmas menu.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing unreasonable picky eater demands affecting Christmas menu choices.
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Screenshot of a Reddit comment criticizing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change the entire Christmas menu.
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Reddit comment discussing picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change Christmas menu and receiving a reality check.
Reddit comment discussing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change the entire Christmas menu.
Comment discussing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change Christmas menu and receiving a reality check.
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Comment discussing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change Christmas menu and receiving a reality check.
Comment discussing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change entire Christmas menu and receiving a reality check.
Comment explaining challenges of picky eating and resistance to changing family Christmas menu for one person.
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Screenshot of an online comment responding to a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change the Christmas menu.
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Screenshot of an online comment discussing a picky eater demanding his brother’s in-laws change the entire Christmas menu.
Reddit comment discussing a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change entire Christmas menu for him.
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Screenshot of a Reddit comment defending a picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change entire Christmas menu.
However, some of them called her out for making fun of their guest
Online discussion about picky eater demanding brother’s in-laws change entire Christmas menu and facing backlash from family.
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Comment discussing a picky eater demanding an in-laws’ Christmas menu change and the need for compassion and respect.
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Comment discussing challenges of accommodating a picky eater during family meals and holiday menu changes.
Screenshot of a comment discussing picky eater demands and family boundaries during holiday and wedding events.
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With ten years, I loved different spices, and made Mum buy one we didn't have before every time I joined her in grocery shopping. Nah, that's a five year old, at max!
They didn't read the whole thing so... they're the only ones who found the fragment saying OP and her family laughed at the dude, ridiculed his preferences trying to humiliate him?
She didn't say "no, cause our preferences are impossible to reconcile". She said "No, cause your preferences are childish and stupid".
How can you humiliate someome who isn't there?
This laughter happened in a chat that Ben wasn't there.
And yes, his preference that NO ONE can have any spices in their food IS childish and stupid.
I’m having a hard time believing there’s an аsshole on this earth who when he smells pizza *doesn’t* begin to salivate like crazy but instead starts shrieking “NO PIZZA! GET IT AWAY! I’M GONNA BE SICK! NO PIZZA! FOR ANYONE!” but if there’s anything I’ve learned in this life, no matter how unbelievable something may be, it exists *somewhere*. I usta mercilessly taunt someone with a crazy gag reflex because he’s an аsshole, and I’d love a shot at Ben. I’d get fans and blow food smells at him 24/7: seafood (LOTS of seafood!), entrails, durian, food that’s been processed through an intestine, etc until he’s catatonic ‘cause then he’ll be quiet. I hate the guy already, even though I’m thinking his weird аss just hasn’t been diagnosed yet. I do, however, diagnose his folks as аssholes.
With ten years, I loved different spices, and made Mum buy one we didn't have before every time I joined her in grocery shopping. Nah, that's a five year old, at max!
They didn't read the whole thing so... they're the only ones who found the fragment saying OP and her family laughed at the dude, ridiculed his preferences trying to humiliate him?
She didn't say "no, cause our preferences are impossible to reconcile". She said "No, cause your preferences are childish and stupid".
How can you humiliate someome who isn't there?
This laughter happened in a chat that Ben wasn't there.
And yes, his preference that NO ONE can have any spices in their food IS childish and stupid.
I’m having a hard time believing there’s an аsshole on this earth who when he smells pizza *doesn’t* begin to salivate like crazy but instead starts shrieking “NO PIZZA! GET IT AWAY! I’M GONNA BE SICK! NO PIZZA! FOR ANYONE!” but if there’s anything I’ve learned in this life, no matter how unbelievable something may be, it exists *somewhere*. I usta mercilessly taunt someone with a crazy gag reflex because he’s an аsshole, and I’d love a shot at Ben. I’d get fans and blow food smells at him 24/7: seafood (LOTS of seafood!), entrails, durian, food that’s been processed through an intestine, etc until he’s catatonic ‘cause then he’ll be quiet. I hate the guy already, even though I’m thinking his weird аss just hasn’t been diagnosed yet. I do, however, diagnose his folks as аssholes.
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