Modern dating has its challenges. While many people find it difficult to meet people they find romantically interesting, those with celiac disease find it even more challenging to actually go out on dates. The part that makes it difficult is that sharing meals is often one of the foundations of dating. Whether it’s brunch, dinner, a trip to the movies or a venture to the local festival, dining gluten-free and explaining the limitations of this food sensitivity can be complicated. For those dating people on a diet free of glutens, figuring out what is safe and what is not opens up a whole new world. For some, even the idea of making dinner for a romantic interest can be an eye-opener with restrictions. Here are some tips on how to date someone on a diet free of glutens.

Dining Out

An invite to dinner can seem like an easy suggestion until someone says they’re eating gluten-free. The number of restaurants offering a safe menu for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities is increasing. Some places prepare foods in a separate kitchen or an isolated area, while others rely on gluten-free suppliers to round out the menu. Most people with celiac disease already know which restaurants nearby are considered safe, so dining out on a date may be as simple as making a suggestion or a request.

Dining In

While cooking dinner in can be romantic, it’s often best to do it in the home of the person with a safe kitchen. Flour dust, cross-contamination of wheat products and accidental use of troublesome foods can cause a reaction. Cooking meals may require expensive ingredients, specially-labeled foods and a great deal of patience. For the guest unfamiliar with the rules, one option is to offer to bring dessert. Ordering treats from a gluten-free bakery or picking them up from grocery stores with pre-baked specialized products will yield tasty choices among cupcakes, brownies, mini pies, cookies and other celiac-friendly desserts.

Birthdays and Celebrations

On special occasions, the idea of meeting someone’s friends and family for the first time can be stressful enough. Adding in the complications of celiac disease can make it even more daunting. Attending someone else’s celebration can cause the person with wheat sensitivity to appear rude for not eating. One way to solve this is by picking up brownies or some cupcakes from a gluten-free bakery. Not only can the significant other enjoy the treats, but so can everyone else in the room. Most people agree that “safe” desserts from certain manufacturers taste as good as or better than regular desserts. The same goes for other specialty baked goods, such as garlic dinner rolls and cornbread.

Depending on the person, the topic of celiac disease may or may not be a personal one to discuss with strangers. One in 3 million Americans has celiac disease. It can be habit-changing to be around someone who has to constantly watch what they eat and where. When it comes to dating, meeting someone special doesn’t have to be more difficult because of wheat sensitivities and celiac disease. There are many gluten-free products available through wholesalers, suppliers and manufacturers to make the process less stressful.