the eyerolling...one of my least favorite aspects of other peoples' reactions to our PA needs.

Most of the time, I just move away. I don't bother saying anything because so often I fear that I will come across as either hysterical or hostile... (gee, imagine that, huh?)
But two instances stand out in my mind. One I am sure that I seemed quite hysterical, as I was fighting down rising panic. It was in a local health food store, where I HAD to go to purchase specialty flours in bulk. Yes, had to-- we had not one other choice at that time... Anyway, this woman was there with a toddler, and she had just filled up a big ole tub of grind it yourself PB... and was about to hand it and a spoon over to her kid...
I asked her if she could wait for "Just five minutes... Please. (begging) I just need to get flour for my daughter...." I don't think she really "got it" but she complied anyway. I think I shocked her and she thought it was possible that I was pretty disturbed. Whatever.
The second instance involves the Disneyland railroad. We got on at the main street station (this is Anaheim) and there were VERY few seats. The people right behind us took out their PB+J and DD started to turn funny colors. So DH and I proceeded to have a conversation (glancing furtively over our shoulders periodically) about what we could do. We couldn't get off the train, as it was in motion, but there was nowhere to move to, either. They finally asked and when we explained, they very politely put them away. I was absolutely floored. We did move as soon as we were able, but thanked them again before we did so.

I've never approached someone eating peanuts in public and asked them to stop - I think the only reason I would do this would be if it directly impacted my DS at that very moment (ie if the person was going to touch him immediately for some reason - doctor, dentist or something akin to that). As for general consumption in our vicinity - if I felt it was dangerous, I would move.
I don't find myself blameless in the eating in public department either - I often do my grocery shopping while slurping on a latte and making use of the cup holder so conveniently attached to the cart (many grocery chains have a Second Cup of a Starbucks inside now...) - a nightmare for those dealing with a milk allergy for sure...

I do say something (imagine that [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/redface.gif[/img] ), especially if the location is not a place where normally civilized people eat:
TARGET! the reason for garbage cans outside front doors is for people to throw away food & beverages PRIOR to entering store. You are NOT supposed to open & eat foods prior to purchasing. Whatever happened to NOT eating in stores??
THEATRES (other than movie)! The ballet or symphony or other seated-theatre experience is NOT a place for food. Intermission in the lobby is place for snack, if offered for sale.
We are rapidly becoming a nation of obese, food-smeared slobs. Any wonder when we cannot seem to go even an hour without some sort of non-nutritional doo-doo shoved into our orifices. . .
but I digress.
I DID say that I say something, didn't I?
[img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]
~Elizabeth

Quote:
We are rapidly becoming a nation of obese, food-smeared slobs.
BRA-VO!!!! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]
It has occurred to me that this may also explain why I have great difficulty finding clothing that fits my SLENDER seven year old. Who is obviously eating much more daintily than most of her compadres. The only differences that I can see?
A. She doesn't gorge on junkfood more than once a month. At most. More like four times a year.
B. She eats regular meals-- not this constant "grazing" that nutritionists claim is so great.
I also would add (respectfully, since I know other people feel differently) that I NEVER eat or drink in places where it is obviously not appropriate. This includes stores. If I wouldn't appreciate someone feeding their 2 yo a pb smeared bagel there, it isn't someplace I need to be eating or drinking anything otehr than water either. What goes around comes around.
And truthfully, managing a milk allergic toddler is insanely difficult (even by our standards [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] ) without ME making it harder. Never mind all of the ignoramuses in the world who shall continue to slurp down frappucinos til they pop.... [i]I should know better.[/i]
It may only be one person less, but hey-- aren't we the ones who are always saying that every little bit helps? Reduce the risk, right? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

I admit to high annoyance that in our culture you can't go anywhere without seeing someone stuffing his or her face. Usually - several someones. Often talking and eating with the mouths open. Ick.
I read once about a culture that is made of people who are embarrassed to eat around others - it is considered a private activity, done with your head turned away on your own time, so as not to gross out your comrades.
I can't help but long for that sometimes.(!) People eat in their cars, at every possible venue, even Church (that one always shocks me - junior eating away during Mass) - all day long, day in, day out.
I agree with the food smeared slob comment. It's just grotesque and constant. I am a conservative Republican captalist and love our successes as a country - but the sight of fat junk-foody Americans stuffing and stuffing themselves as a hobby, way, way beyond bodily need, so that the excess is stored in rolls on their bodies - while other people starve elsewhere - just really bothers me.
AND this is before we even get down to the extra issue to my PA child - peanuts and nuts all over everything, too.

I am shamed. With the DD in one of the local supermarkets i have to admit once in awhile I do get a cup of coffe to drink while shopping. Don't I feel like a hypocrite. Shamed seriously. Mostly these days I shop online, it saves me a ton of money. I stick to the brands I know so no impulse buys. I just go pick it up at the store for $10 .
But getting back to the orginal question I probably would have walked away from her and not said anything. the only time I do say something is if we are actaully sitting next to someone like others have said at an event. I am most worried about movie theaters to be honest. I try to scan what people are eating in front of us and in back of us.
I think next time I go food shopping i will get my coffee on the way out.

haven't had time to read through the entire thread, but the short answer is NO! i can't even imagine approaching a stranger and telling them that what they are eating is inappropriate! IMHO, that takes a lot of nerve..

Quote:Originally posted by Adele:
[b]I missed the opportunity too and blasted myself later for NOT saying something.
I was at the Delta ticket counter in Charleston, S.C. The ticket agent that was checking me in, had a little pile of shelled peanuts that he was shelling and eating, while working.
I was in SHOCK!
I realized later that the reason I didn't speak up was because of the eye-rolling Peg mentions. I swear that the NEXT time, I will speak up. [/b]
Good for you Adele. I have a good friend who rolls her eyes if I mention PA in reference to my son. She is a nurse. I can't fathom her problem but roll away.
Peg