Won't eat other's food.

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When I was a kid I ate anything. But over time I've become so aware of hygiene issues and cross contamination. Cafe food doesn't bother me. My wife's food is great.

But that's where it ends.

I hate public park BBQs (I've seen what adolescents do to them). I'm not impressed by kitchen standards at friend's houses, or how parents with babies carry those drooling germ carriers while preparing food. I hate how kids (into their teens) contaminate the butter with crumbs and other food residue. How they sneeze over food, pick their noses and don't wash their hands adequately after flushing.

When visiting others, I decline their food and beverages.

Not rational. They've survived after all. But phobias aren't rational.

So, now a potential crisis is looming. Some friends have bought a new house and they want us to visit and to stay for several days.

They'll be doing all the cooking.

So I either overcome my issues or make for a very uncomfortable time for everyone else.

Don't know what to do.

Would it help if you got your flu shot? I've gotten booster shots for MMR and Tdap as well.

It is the reverse for me. I wouldn't eat others food as a kid. These days I'll finish someone else's plate. Mind if I try the scallops?

Flu shot? No, my problem is year round and encompasses non-flu season and all the other imagined germs.

You can do some of the cooking or bring your own food

Six years ago I had gastric bypass surgery. After surgery not only was the quantity of food that I ate very restrictive but also the types of food that I could eat. This restriction lasted for over a year. I did go out and visit friends and family during that time. But I brought my own food with me and explained to them that I had surgery.

I'm the same - I won't even eat food that my family has made. It's not about contamination for me; it's just an ARFID thing. I've gotten away with it in social settings by claiming to have horrendous food allergies. Claim a similar problem and bring your own food, or ask for specific foods that you can prepare for yourself (sandwich materials and such). There's nothing wrong with an officious lie like that.

Thanks everyone. You've definitely given me food for thought ☺️