What would happen if you let them just not eat? I'm wondering as I've been on both sides of this and don't really know a good answer.

For example, a friend of mine came over for dinner with her husband of several years. First time I'd met the husband. They brought their own salad dressing because he only likes the one kind. She'd warned me of food preferences beforehand, but the list was long and some stuff got missed so she was all worried about whether he'd eat or not. Looking back, that was probably the most weird food preferences meal situations I've ever been in.

I usually ask guests if they have any food allergies or dislikes, but sometimes it still goes wrong. A friend came for lunch once, turns out she hates goat's cheese. Fortunately I hadn't added it to her portion yet, so she just had the salad without. And I have two good friends who always apologize profusely for their picky eating, but at least I always know what to make for them.

I guess with your skids, I'd pack PB&J when going to McD's a few times. You know. Because otherwise they just won't eat.

If the hostess asked me, or if I had food allergies (or such strong dislikes that I just couldn't eat something) I would say something.

But if it's just not very good, oh well... if things get desperate I can go by a drive-thru on the way home!

There's a meal very popular here (in the Netherlands) made with chicory. It's soooo gross. So I have a few bites, do not take seconds, fill up on sides, and eat when I get home. But if were anything *worse* than that, I wouldn't even be able to have the few bites. I'd feel guilty for letting my hostess waste food by putting it on my plate.