I'm sure some of you have been there . . . how did you handle it?

[Pool Hall Ace]

My father-in-law passed away recently, and my husband and I are going to visit my mother-in-law, who lives two hours away.

We are spending the night, so that means we will have three meals there -- lunch, dinner, and then breakfast the following day.

My husband told MIL that I do not eat meat. MIL wants to know if I eat egg salad (I don't). For dinner, she is planning flank steak (I don't even know what that is).

I really do want to visit with my mother-in-law, and I don't mind bringing my own food. I guess I just have not been in this situation before; is it considered "snobby" to bring your own food? Maybe I'm just too concerned about what she will think.

Thx . . . PHA

[flvegan]

1. That can be a tough one.

It's hard for some folks to understand the "doesn't eat meat" idea. Always a laugh when "I don't eat meat" gets the "but you eat chicken, right?" response. I don't think there's anything wrong with bringing your own food *in case* she doesn't grasp the idea and makes flank steak (egads) and there isn't enough in sides to fill you up. She was told you don't eat meat, so she shouldn't be offended if she makes it and you make your own meal.

Good luck with it regardless.

[Pool Hall Ace]

2. Yeah, I've gotten that one, too.

Apparently, chicken is a vegetable. :D

I think that I will play up the health angle to my dietary change (my total cholesterol dropped dramatically without a need for medication). I will try to de-emphasize any discussion on vegetarianism, and just concentrate on enjoying the visit.

It's probably a good idea for me to eat any sides that are offered, though. ;)

P.S.: I just Googled flank steak. GAAAH! :puke:

[LeftyMom]

3. In my experience people are usually glad they don't have to figure out what to feed me.

:shrug:

[Pool Hall Ace]

4. Oh, good! I never thought about it that way.

:thumbsup: