What's the most etiquette response to new neighbor bringing cookies & introducing themselves, but your family can't eat the cookies? Husband & kids have Celiac, so they have a terrible autoimmune reaction to wheat/gluten.
--I accepted cookies without going into family medical history, then my son was invited to play with her son. Boys are same age, they hit it off quite well, so he was invited to eat dinner with them. When I gently explained the Celiac dilemma to the mom, she got defensive about the cookies she gave us just hours before.
Talk about awkward. But I don't know how I could have handled the cookie introduction differently, without spilling medical problems to a new neighbor. That just seems tacky to me.
Texperson2017-09-11T16:41:17Z
Favorite Answer
You did the right thing telling her about your son's situation. You had to do it. I don't know what you mean she got defensive about the cookies, but its best to let it pass, move along. Hopefully the kids have fun together and you and she can become friends apart from eating.
While you are not under any obligation to reveal private information to a stranger, you are also not obliged to accept the gift of cookies given your family's medical situation. It is understandable you did not want to appear ungrateful and chances are your neighbor became defensive because she was confused and annoyed but what she may perceive as contradictory behavior from you. This was not your intention so have a one on one conversation with your neighbor, explain why you accepted the cookies and share what is comfortable for you regarding your family's Celiac condition, if sharing at all.
You can respectfully tell the person of the food restriction and also thank her for the effort at the time. You honestly need to have the balls to do so. Grow up with this and learn to communicate. I would try to visit her and give her a nice food item to show your appreciation. Good luck.