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Original poster

Could you date someone with such a limited diet?

134 replies

georgousbold · 17/03/2022 18:55

I've met a really nice man recently.

6 weeks in and I'm really enjoying his company. I have a disabled son so finding anyone new was always going to be hit and miss

He's a really friendly and caring person, it seems. I have absolutely no support most of the time for my son and last week he even offered to step in when I had a vomiting bug, offering to take DS to the local park and go for a walk with him so I could catch some extra zzzs. He made it clear that he knew why I'd decline as he was new, but said the offer was there and open (he's a doctor so very much DBS checked)

We have been out for something to eat 3 times now. Each time, chicken nuggets and chips, with a little ketchup on the side and sprinkled with vinegar and lots of salt like it's snowing on his plate Blush

Yesterday we had a lunch at a local cafe. Chicken nuggets and chips, with lots and lots of salt, then he asked for some beans so a slight improvement.

Could you go out with someone with such a limited diet? I asked why it was so simple and he shrugged and said 'it's predictable'

He has asked to take me to a sushi place next week so we shall see how this plays out. I don't think they sell nuggets!

OP posts:
SmellyWellyWoo · 17/03/2022 19:48

I'd be more wary about a man I'd just met offering to look after my son. Big red flag for me, I don't care if he's a doctor or not.

Frostylaudanum · 17/03/2022 19:48

@georgousbold

He has said he doesn't like cooking as he finds the steps confusing, but can do pasta

I challenged him and asked how that could be so? He works in gynae as it involves some surgery! He said it was very different

So if anyone can cook who's on here, you're holding a skill too difficult for someone with a degree in medicine Grin

I'm autistic, have two degrees and can't cook. I eat a limited diet. I don't really understand why what he eats affects you.
godmum56 · 17/03/2022 19:48

@Aquamarine1029

Nope. Never. Picky eaters are basically my biggest peeve.
judgey people are mine
LondonQueen · 17/03/2022 19:50

The diet wouldn't bother me, becoming a teacher has really opened my eyes to SEND needs and sensory issues, perhaps that's why he has a limited diet?
What would make me uncomfortable is him offering to take your DS out, you have to remember that even with a DBS check, it's not a guarantee someone is safe. I'm sure he is lovely though and it would be a lot less spidy senses inducing if you had been seeing him for long fee.

Comefromaway · 17/03/2022 19:51

Yes I would.

I have a very limited diet. My son has an even more limited one. He has autism and food sensory issues, I possibly do too.

Alconleigh · 17/03/2022 19:51

No I couldn't because eating out and trying new foods on holiday etc is really important to me. And that wouldn't work with someone who only eats beige. I'd feel limited and restricted and presumably they'd feel pissed off with me feeling that way so we wouldn't be compatible.

Stompythedinosaur · 17/03/2022 19:53

My dp has Crohns Disease which he manages without medication via having a very restricted diet. Astonishingly, perhaps, this has precisely zero impact on our relationship.

I think if such a little thing is putting you off them you can't be that keen on him.

NotquitewhatImeant · 17/03/2022 19:54

Not sure you can judge from just three meals together.

CloseYourMouthLynn · 17/03/2022 19:56

My husband was like this, wouldn't touch a vegetable, didn't even want them in his fridge when I moved in! Now after 10 years together he eats vegetables every day. I didn't force him, he just gradually tried stuff as I cooked it. He has a texture aversion and likes it all cooked in a particular way. If he's nice in every other way then don't write him off.

AngelinaFibres · 17/03/2022 19:57

@georgousbold

He has said he doesn't like cooking as he finds the steps confusing, but can do pasta

I challenged him and asked how that could be so? He works in gynae as it involves some surgery! He said it was very different

So if anyone can cook who's on here, you're holding a skill too difficult for someone with a degree in medicine Grin

He isn't a doctor. Not a cat in hells chance
WhereTheSpiritMeetsTheBones · 17/03/2022 19:57

Does he eat more varied food at home or if you cook for him? I have food issues and don't enjoy eating out. If I can't avoid eating out, I will choose the most plain item, like chicken nuggets and chips, because I know its "safe", less likely to make me feel sick. I'm more adventurous at home, but still have a limited diet. I'm an educated professional with a good job, so it's a bit embarrassing to have these issues, but they have caused me lots of stress. I try to manage as best I can but it's an extra complication. I need a patient supportive partner.
Maybe he could be similar?

Svara · 17/03/2022 19:59

Depends if he does just like restaurant food to be predictable, chicken nuggets being similar everywhere. If he will try other foods and discover that he does like x dish at y restaurant and is then happy to pick that going forward then I would be fine with that.

WTF475878237NC · 17/03/2022 20:02

Depends if his need for the predictable extends beyond restrictive diet and would ultimately make him quite boring or controlling in order to cope with life being generally unpredictable!

SouperNoodle · 17/03/2022 20:05

I wouldn't give up on him just yet.

DH is a dentist and doesn't enjoy food. When we first got together he was on a very limited diet as well (much healthier than yours but still very restricted).
He was practically skeletal.
Over the years, I've introduced him to lots of different foods and even though there's still a lot he doesn't like, he eats a varied diet now and will eat 95% of the food I put in front of him.

He also doesn't cook but I don't mind as I enjoy it and he cleans up after.

Bookridden · 17/03/2022 20:05

I personally wouldn't have a problem with this. However, all the doctors I've met (not many, admittedly) are middle class, very accomplished, a bit smug. They certainly wouldn't be challenged by cooking a bit of pasta. Also, med school probably involved a lot of dining club experiences. In one way, it's quite nice to hear there are doctors out there who have some very human failings; that's actually quite disarming.

hellywelly3 · 17/03/2022 20:10

Wouldn’t bother me. Everyone has their quirks.

Leol · 17/03/2022 20:11

This seems like a really mild quirk. Nobody’s perfect. I’d find a fussy eater more attractive than someone who was judgy about other people’s eating habits.

SouperNoodle · 17/03/2022 20:11

*healthier than your boyfriend's

Partyatnumber10 · 17/03/2022 20:14

I'd find it slightly irritating sure, but if in other ways it felt right then I'd accept that it isn't up to me to control what he eats and carry on seeing him. I was shocked at a restaurant recent thread where almost everybody said they'd refuse to date a man who didn't eat vegetables.

withiceplease · 17/03/2022 20:16

Maybe he just fancied nuggets and chips each time?
My husband could order my food in any restaurant we go to regularly. I always have the same order in McDonald's and always chose the same sandwiches if given the option.
I cook from scratch every night and do at least one new recipe a week at home though

germsandcoffee · 17/03/2022 20:18

I'm engaged to someone with a limited diet and I'm mum to two with limited diets 🤷‍♀️.
Hardly the end of the world!

shivawn · 17/03/2022 20:19

No I wouldn't mind. Don't understand why anyone would get worked up about what someone else chooses to eat.

opensun · 17/03/2022 20:23

@Pemba

That's surprising for a doctor!
Funny that you think doctors aren't like this
A580Hojas · 17/03/2022 20:29

@shivawn

No I wouldn't mind. Don't understand why anyone would get worked up about what someone else chooses to eat.
Because if you are dating such a person then you are very limited in where you can go out to eat. What if you fancy a curry or a Thai meal or just some proper grown up food?

If you are living with them it's even worse unless you choose to do entirely separate meals - which is a pita, double the washing up, double the shopping etc.

I'd have thought it's completely obvious why it's no fun to be in a relationship with someone with a severely restricted diet. I don't for a minute believe the people on this thread who say they wouldn't be bothered by it.

roastedsaltedpeanut · 17/03/2022 20:34

Food is such a crucial part of my life and I wouldn’t be able to stand anyone with such limited palate.
Food is like a snapshot of a culture. Ideally i would like my parents to be able to discuss the culinary technique as well as historical/cultural backgrounds of a famous dish. Whats the most authentic recipe and where to find it etc.
Cannot be with someone who isn’t able to step away from toddler food, who potentially carries the genes of not being able to have fun with food. I despair at the thought of a husband and children who can only eat toddler food for the rest of their lives!