DEAR MISS MANNERS: While many people choose to eat gluten-free for health reasons, I must eat gluten-free to avoid health issues. While celiac disease affects about one out of every 100, most people do not know how widespread gluten is in a lot of foods.
When we are invited for dinner at friends' homes, my wife or I generally tell the host of our dietary restrictions. However, preparing a gluten-free meal is more difficult than one might imagine. Let's say the host serves steak that was marinated in soy sauce, a salad that has croutons in it and a vegetable that was prepared using flour.
The host was diligently trying to prepare a gluten-free meal, but didn't know it was in soy sauce. She thought the croutons could be pushed aside, not realizing that one crumb can cause diarrhea.
How does one handle this awkward situation? I really don't mind leaving the party hungry, but the embarrassment toward the host can be extremely awkward.
GENTLE READER: Your host should not be paying attention to what you are eating.
If you are making reasonable attempts to eat what is served and graciously don't mind being underfed, then Miss Manners assures you that you are doing all that you can. If pressed, you may say, "I hate to be an annoyance, but you cannot imagine in what foods they hide gluten. Really, I am fine. I had a big meal earlier."
You need not explain what time -- or day -- defines "earlier."