Community Chat

[LTT1]

@haddon9 

Thank you for yours and others too considered answers.

As always, there are "considerations".

But I do have a non-insulting "out" and the members know this...about my dietary restrictions.

I believe that the leader has reasons for wanting to keep up the facade of this being a legitimate place to go. Others keep mentioning (including my daughter) that she thinks the leader was "acting odd". I think it's because the leader knows and is in a tricky situation with it somehow.

The leader is my daughters neighbor. Their kids go to the same school together. DD doesn't want to insult...and on and on.

I am the newest member, at least the most faithful newest member!

I believe it might be impossible to find a place to meet that woukd allow us to sit and discuss...unless it's a pizza place...but that's ok with me!

Any way, DD has been disappointed with her food before. I’m thinking ALL the restaurants in our area are having trouble.

I'm just going to bow out for now! It's best!

[wagirl]

Seems to me--it's an easy answer--stop going. Why spend $$ on gross food? And how do you insult someone by not going anymore? If the "leader " isn't showing up--that's your answer right there. 

[stevieb]

@LTT1 Can't imagine you're the only one finding the current restaurant lacking. Eat before you go, order tea or something else innocuous and then bring up at the next meeting a possible change of location. 

[Puzzle Piece]

I know what you mean about MSG. 

Just leave the group or start one of your own.  You can then select the place where to meet or welcome suggestions on where to convene.  

[Sooner]

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@LTT1 wrote:

@AuntMame @CalminHeart @CelticCrafter @50Mickey @Bri369 

Thank you all for the suggestions.

Yes, as you can imagine there are more reasons for my hesitation than just what I've mentioned on the surface.

i'm going to just stop participating.

I have good reason and I think everyone knows I have dietary concerns.

My daughter introduced me to this group and for the most part they are delightful.

I suspect foul play of some sort...whether the leader (who has recently been absent so much...or whatever.

But it's my option about managing a touchy situation.

Thanks again!

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@LTT1 You suspect "FOUL PLAY?"  Really?  Y'all are reading way too many mysteries.  Just don't go.  Go back if they do what you want, but otherwise, just don't go.  It's a book club not jury duty.  .  .

[cindyNC]

If you really enjoy the group, can you eat at home before hand and just order a small appetizer or salad? 

Our local Japanese restaurant (small town) has been cutting corners on the food also.  The fried rice rarely contains any veggies, the meat portions are getting smaller and smaller, more onions in the veggie stir fry.  I don't believe it's due to a lack of customers, but rising prices. 

[ThinkingOutLoud]

Haven't read the replies so this may have been mentioned - 

You don't have to stop attending, just don't order anything or just get a soda. If anyone asks why you're not eating, either tell them the ingredients don't agree with you or pick from any myriad of reasons why people skip meals (ie medical test the next day, already ate, dieting, fasting...).

[San Antonio Gal]

@LTT1  -  I can't imagine why your daughter or others would be insulted if you're not happy with the club.

I would talk to other members and get their opinion on the food.  Maybe others feel the same way.  See if you can initiate a change in location.

If things can't change, don't eat the food.  

What's up with the leader?  She needs to be replaced if she can't attend.  

[ajsidney12]

@LTT1 You suspect "Foul play of some sort"? Why the nefarious comment, sounds very dramatic considering the topic. Very Agatha Christie sounding (see what I did there🔎🔎)

[elated]

The book club sounds fun  it reminds me of the series on Hallmark "Aurora Teagardens". They would get together to read books and solve mysteries. It is  good entertainment.

My dad use to say " you have to look out for yourself because no one else will". I found that advice to be valuable. If you are uncomfortable in the setting and find it undesirable, I would just move on. You don't owe anyone an explanation. If someone asks, you can say the timing was off and needed to make adjustments. Maybe do volunteer work in the library.