AIBU to go to the office party when I can half participate?

[officeparty]

My specialist has me on a strict elimination diet at the moment. It seems to be working really well. Today we have the office party for Easter. (It's about 8 people going). We all bring some food to share. The food is a huge part of this. I won't be able to eat anything and, given the results I'm getting, I don't even want to at this point. I feel like the social side and enjoying ourselves together should be the focus of the event, but I know that people will say something and one or two might be put out when I say no to sampling their contribution. it's just going to be awkward but I still want to go. Would I BU to go or should I make an excuse? I don't feel any guilt. It's not my fault.

Of course YANBU to go to the party. You don't have to eat anything - what you put in you mouth is your business not theirs 😉

It being medical is a valid reason that no-one can argue with.

You aren’t being unreasonable to go or avoid. Just so what you prefer.

Maybe I'll just have to tell them my medical condition. This isn't going to go away. It's going to be awkward anyway. I'm not sure they all believe in this sort of thing being valid. Their problem though, I guess.

You don't need to tell them your condition if you don't want to. Just say "a medical specialist has advised me to follow a special diet at the minute and I'm seeing improvements, so please don't be offended if I don't sample these tasty looking bites". And leave it at that.

If you all take some food can you not take something you can eat?

I think this response is perfect OP.

That's a good response. I know at least one person will take offense regardless, but that's her problem I guess.