Your mom is much better at “momming” than mine. Since the day I went vegetarian, she said, “You have to cook everything for yourself now.” So I learned how to cook before I got into high school (which I can’t really complain about. It’s better than never learning how to cook at all.)

The weird thing is, she still thinks it’s the 90s or something. Prior to every family event, she tells me to eat something before going because “there will be nothing” for me. Yet every family event in the past decade (or more), I have been far from the only vegetarian there. My siblings, cousins, and their spouses have a completely different attitude than the one my mom has - they think, “If I’m throwing an event, I want everyone to be able to eat.” They’re aware of dietary differences, whether it’s veganism or a peanut allergy, and they care enough about their guests to make sure they don’t go hungry. Even though I’ve never asked for any special treatment, they always consider me when they plan food options. It makes me feel included and loved.

That simple concept doesn’t seem to enter my mom’s brain. Despite me being well-fed at recent family parties, she still not only thinks nobody would care enough about me to consider me when food planning (which really says a lot on its own), but also that having dietary restrictions is some super rare thing. Oh yeah, and she thinks she still has to warn me at all. I’m in my mid-30s and haven’t changed this aspect of my diet in over 20 years, ffs. Perhaps I’d know a wee bit more about all this than she would?