DEAR ABBY: Some friends and I gather for dinner and fellowship about twice a month. The problem is, one woman is a very finicky eater, and she turns up her nose when something is served and makes comments like, "That doesn't even look good -- what's in it?" The one we have heard all too often is, "That doesn't even sound good."
Most of the time we try to please her by preparing something she likes, like hot dogs or fried chicken. Frankly, I'm sick of it. Would it be rude to prepare something scrumptious like coconut shrimp with orange sauce knowing that she won't eat it, but everyone else will, and tell her there are hot dogs in the fridge and buns in the breadbox and to just help herself? -- HAD IT IN NASHVILLE
DEAR HAD IT: No more rude than what she's doing to you. The alternative would be to tell her in advance what you will be serving so she can opt out or bring her own food if she chooses.
P.S. What's your address? If I'm in the neighborhood, I'd love to sample the cuisine.