I thought dating as a gluten free person would be a very difficult thing, and I believe it can be if you’re not with someone who is understanding and is willing to walk with you in that journey. I think there are people out there who won’t understand what it means to be gluten free and what it takes to avoid it. Heck, there are people who believe gluten intolerances are all in your head, so I definitely think it’s possible to date someone who will see you being gluten free as a hindrance and an annoyance. I was afraid of that as a single person. I was afraid that I was going to go on a date and have to eat a salad because I couldn’t eat anything else. Don’t get me wrong I love a good salad, but I also like all sorts of food that are traditionally gluten filled instead of gluten free. I was afraid that the other person wouldn’t care that I needed to eat a certain way.

However, God took that fear and turned it on its head because now I’m in a relationship with someone who even before we were together was already surrounded with people who had to live a gluten free lifestyle. Maybe he didn’t and still doesn’t know everything about what has gluten and what doesn’t, but he’s been willing to learn and to try new foods and restaurants because he knows I can get a gluten free bun here or a gluten and dairy free cinnamon roll there. Me being gluten free has never been an insurmountable obstacle but an exciting adventure in which he can search for the best gluten free places just to see me smile and to have a happy belly.

If you’re a gluten free single person looking to date, my advice is to be upfront about being gluten free. Don’t be embarrassed and discouraged if he or she is confused and asks a million questions; that means he/she is interested enough to know more. You being gluten free isn’t a burden and if that person complains and sees it as such, maybe he/she isn’t the right one for you. That may sound a bit harsh and she might be really funny and he might be really nice, but your health is way more important than a significant other who isn’t willing to go the extra mile to care for you.