I'm flying home tomorrow, and my dad wants the whole family to go out to lunch with my crazy grandmother. I really, really, really don't want to go. I hate restaurants. A LOT A LOT A LOT. He said I can pack my own lunch, which I probably will, but I'll feel like an idiot. Whatever I do, I'm going to be miserable the whole time. How am I supposed to deal with this situation? Does anyone else feel this way in these kinds of situations?
TrueImage,
Look at your status "Conquering new fears today- here goes!" This is one of those fears.
We all hate restaurants, but I have personally been to many the past few months and the only reason I've gained weight is because I've been trying to with my regular meals each day.
I think packing a lunch defeats the purpose of conquering this fear. There are always many options on the menu, and you can always ask for them to change a few odd things in your dish (example green peppers give me terrible heartburn, so if they're in a dish I order I ask for them to be removed).
This could be a very good challenge for you.
I completely agree with you Paige, packing your lunch and going to a restaurant will not help to conquer your fear, the only way to conquer this is to tackle it head on. Your Dad obviously knows how much of an issue this is for you and is supportive of your position so maybe talk to his before hand and ask him to help deflect any negative attention that might come your way and make you feel uncomfortable in this situation. But I do strongly encourage you to take this situation as an OPPORTUNITY to NOT give into the ED, to take control and try something new.
Good luck and let us know how you get on
Ouch! What is the worst thing that could happen? What is the best thing that could happen? It will probably end up somewhere in between.
People who have never had an Ed will Never understand what you are going through. Just keep reminding yourself that the only opinion that matters is your own! It will be over before you know it, and the next time will be easier!
Hi, all! Just wanted to let you know how things went. I compromised; I packed a lunch, just as a backup in case I got to the restaurant and I couldn't do it. BUT, I did find something to order there. I cried three times (twice hiding in the bathroom and once in the middle of the restaurant), but I did it. HOWEVER, I didn't do all that well. I know I didn't eat enough--I knew it even as I was doing it. And I still felt awful about eating even what I did. That's one of my problems with restaurants. I get so scared about overeating that I use them as opportunities/excuses to restrict. Now I'm scared because I've restricted twice in the past two days, and I need to be regaining. And I don't see my nutritionist until Friday. Anyway, that's the status, as of now. :-/
That's a good step!! I'm very proud and you should be too :)
What did you order?
I think the main thing to knick the restricting in the butt at restaurants is to really pay attention to your hunger. Eat until your full and not till you think you've "had enough"
Thanks for the advice. 
See also the message I sent you.
WooHoo! Way to go TruImage! Obstacle overcome! You did it! I don't even know you and I am very proud!
Thanks!