'All she’s doing is causing panic for the waiter and turning herself into a liability': Woman's SIL tells restaurant that she has level 5 allergies, eats food she claims she's allergic to anyway

Author image for Baiz Hoen
Baiz Hoen
Jan 12, 2025 12:00 AM EST

We all knew that kid in middle school who would fake injuries for attention. The girl who came in with an arm brace on her left hand only for it to mysteriously shift to her right hand the next day. The kid who shows up with the hospital bracelet on Monday after being there "all weekend" for an illness they can't quite explain. These people were the cornerstones of schoolyard gossip back in the day, the perfect subject for cafeteria shop-talk. Sometimes, these people would even be awarded the mythical "elevator pass," skyrocketing their social clout and making them the most popular person that week, even if we all knew they were putting on a performance. 

Usually, these plies for attention subside by the end of high school, but in rare cases, a person will continue to perform their maladies into adulthood. In the adult world, the act is not as rewarding, and often leaves people hurt and confused when their rouse is revealed. In this story, OP is dealing with just that: a sister in law who insists on having severe allergies at every restaurant they go to. Is it in OP's rights to shut it down? Or should she let her family member keep up the whole charade?

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  • 01
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  • 02
    AITA for telling someone to stop mentioning their "allergies" when we go out to restaurants? I have a family member (31F) that sees an allergist and claims that they're allergic to nearly everything under the sun - including things I've seen them eat for YEARS with no issues.
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  • 03
    The past 2 times we've gone out to eat, they mention their "level 5 allergy" and the look of panic that ensues on the waiters' faces gives me secondhand embarrassment.
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  • 04
    The first time, we went out to an Italian restaurant, where they made a scene about their level 5 garlic allergy to the waiter. They had ordered a pizza, and claimed that the pizza had never given them problems before but that they CANNOT have any garlic. The manager came back and said that all their pizzas have garlic. My family member then said "oh that's okay then." IS IT A LEVEL 5 ALLERGY IF YOU CAN EAT IT? They were also perfectly fine and didn't complain during or after the meal.
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  • 05
    The second time, we went to a Chinese restaurant. They ordered a seafood soup. Then, "I HAVE A LEVEL 5 ALLERGY TO FISH". The waiter looked completely flabbergasted, then her mom starts explaining that they've had the soup before but that they just don't eat the shrimp. The waiter then explained that the rest of the soup would have made contact with the shrimp. Again, "it's fine, I've had it before. I'm just allergic." SO WHY BRING IT UP?
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  • 06
    I finally said last night that they really need to knock it off, EVERY TIME she pipes up with the allergy talk, she orders something that directly contains what she's "allergic" to. I'm not an allergist, but I'm pretty sure that if you can eat the food with no symptoms or discomfort, you're not allergic. All she's doing is causing panic for the waiter and turning herself into a liability if she DID have an allergy. AITA?
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  • 07

    Some very cheeky advice from one Redditor in the comments

    The next time she says, "I have an allergy but have eaten it before so it's fine" just loudly insist, "No, SIL! It's not fine because you could di and I can't stand the thought of losing you!" (Really ham it up with concern!) Insist that she order something simple and bland "to stay safe." Tell the waiter that under no circumstances is she allowed to have the dish she wants. Your SIL wants the attention? Give it to her in spades!! NTA
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  • 08
    I was about to tell you Y T A based on the title, but man was I wrong! NTA. There's a thing where people like to pretend to have either a medical or mental health problem just to seek attention from others. They think it makes. them interesting. Your cousin sounds exactly like that. Let me guess, she is also self absorb and doesn't have anything to show for personnality wise?
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  • 09
    Bruh, she's making it mad awkward for no reason. Like, if you're eating the "allergy" food and it's fine, why even bring it up? Feels like she's just chasing attention. You're not wrong for calling her out-it's cringe and probs stressing the staff for no reason.
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  • 10
    NTA. Like, if you're eating the stuff and acting fine, what's the point of making a scene every time? It's kinda sketchy and just causes unnecessary drama for no reason. You're right to call it out.
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  • 11
    If you're fine eating something you claim to be allergic to, then it's honestly a bit confusing. It sounds like she's just using it for attention, which puts unnecessary stress on the staff. Allergies are serious, and if it's not causing any issues, she shouldn't be making a scene every time. You were just trying to keep things chill!
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  • 12
    It sounds like your family member is creating unnecessary drama and confusion, especially since. they're ordering food they claim to be allergic to. If there's no actual reaction, it's reasonable to question why they keep mentioning allergies so dramatically. You're not dismissing their health, but the over-the-top reactions are uncomfortable and unnecessary for everyone involved
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  • 13
    NTA. Call that out on behalf of all those who have to put up with that level of idiocy and for people who actually have allergies. That is some serious bulls . I'm allergic but can eat it? What an a h le.
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  • 14
    NTA. Just tell her you have level 5 allergies against people who pretend to have level 5 allergies.
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  • 15

    Seems like OP's SIL is lying in more ways than one

    is a level five food allergy? Is that really a thing? I have a severe, life threatening allergy to capsaicin. I have an intolerance for gluten. One's an allergy, one's not. I have never heard any of my doctors use a level system. I simply avoid my allergens.
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  • 16
    Nta. Why I've never heard of allergies having levels.. I do have allergies.. Tell her you have an level 5 allergy to bulls
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  • 17
    If she truly has level 5 food allergies, she wouldn't be eating the food. I DO have allergies some severe some not so much. I have had to train my lady not to mention it to the waiter. I am an adul and can choose. I have mild allergies to eggs (my bowel will hate me). I have strong allergies to tomatoes (eat more than a tiny amount I will end up in the hospital).
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  • 18
    have friends that have severe allergies (someone. cuts a piece of fish, wipes the knife, and then cuts their meat, they end up in the hospital). She is putting people like my friends and I at risk, by being chicken little. She is the AH. Dude, you are the angel!
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  • 19
    NTA, but why do you go out to eat with this person? How good must their good qualities be to make this bulls worthwhile?
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  • 20
    As someone who has allergies and carry an EpiPen, is a "level 5" allergy. I've literally never heard of that...
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  • 21
    NTA. Your family member isn't allergic, she's drama- intolerant. Claiming "level 5 allergies" while munching on the offending food is just wasting everyone's time and giving waitstaff anxiety. If she wants attention, maybe she should try a hobby instead of hijacking dinner.
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  • 22
    As a parent of a child with food allergies, your relative is just making it harder for families that have true allergies.
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  • 23
    Good for you! I can't stand people like this who just do crp like this for attention. We had a girl when I was a teen at church camp, that would always fake an illness. or handicap every year just so the hot guys from other churches would pay attention to her. It's really pathetic and I would be embarrassed to be around my family if they did this every time we go out to eat.
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family drama AITAH allergies sister-in-law lying reddit story family Reddit
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