Answered Conundrum Next Conundrum

thebandit thebandit

Whenever you go out with a friend, you notice he or she never eats anything, or eats very little. Are you concerned? What do you do?

Interesting Question? Yes (0) No (0)
RSS

Best Answer Chosen by Asker

keepontryi...
keepontryi...
Marked as Best! November 02, 2009 01:34 PM
My daughter once could not finish a six ounce juice box, as it was "too big". She was a Senior in High School, 5' 2" and about 98 pounds.

She ate like a bird all her life, but was never unhealthy. After making her a half a sandwich for dinner, we might find most of it wrapped up in the refrigerator, saved for later. We were somewhat worried, but as the years went by, it never got to the point where she wouldn't eat at all, and there were never any signs of an eating disorder. Eating just wasn't important to her, it wasn't her thing. After she went to college, her eating habits changed and she gained 30 pounds over five years, enough so that she had to lose eight pounds to get into her wedding dress at a healthy 120 pounds.

My point is, people may have little interest in eating without having a problem, and also be aware that eating habits can change. While there is legitimate cause for concern in these days of eating disorders (or even if it's a financial problem), it may just be that they aren't interested in food, and it's altogether possible that it may just be a phase.

Hey LOOK! A theme song for the unhungry of the world:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05i2P8GGjLw

Watch your friend, talk to them, then monitor the situation without hassling them, unless you have reason to believe there is a disorder or a financial cause.

Sounds like you're a good friend, to care about your friends this way.
Asker's Rating:
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply

Other Answers (4)
Sort By

unwirklich
unwirklich
November 02, 2009 02:29 AM
Unless she was abnormally thin no I wouldn't worry. Many people have issues eating in front of people, especially women. She may just be one of those women, or perhaps she's worried you;ll end up picking up her tab. I've said I wasn't hungry when out with friends simply because I knew they'd try to pay before. I'd prolly just buy an appetizer as a table plate so to speak that way if she is hungry she can have some without feeling guilty. Not much you could do if it was the prior option though.

I would however keep an eye out for other signs of an eating disorder just in case.
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply
gno
gno
November 02, 2009 04:00 AM
I would make a brief, polite inquiry about it. Maybe crack a joke about them making me feel like an oinker always chowing in front of them.

But usually, there's a good explanation. A radical (and stupid) diet. A nervousness about eating in front of others. A weirdness about eating foods other people have cooked. A picky taste.

Or your friend may confess to something worse going on. It's up to you if you want to pry. Personally, although I think some casual inquiry is a good idea, I think that the deepest issues are best left for them to work with on their own--unless you're VERY close friends.
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply
cherise
cherise
November 02, 2009 05:21 AM
Times are tough. Chances are your friend's budget won't allow eating out. I would invite him or her over for a home cooked meal, and ask if there is anything I should avoid making.
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply
amybrowne2
amybrowne2
November 05, 2009 01:30 AM
Well I do not eat much when I go out with my girlfriends. My reasoning is I am on a low salt/ low fat diet, so much prepared food is bad for me. I will eat a little, but when it comes to my health and eating I need to be careful, perhaps your friend has a medical issue.

Sometimes people do not eat much because of a dental problem like a broken tooth which makes eating painful.
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply

Answer this Question


View All Love and Relationships Questions

Ask a Conundrum


140 characters left

Categories

Large Glass of Conundrum Wine

Welcome to ConundrumLand

Please enter your zip code.