Although I don’t have an autoimmune condition myself, this is my experience with Celiac disease.

Hi, I’m Josie. I’m here to provide you with a perspective you may not have otherwise considered: how does your Celiac disease affect your loved ones? My own husband and brother have had Celiac most of their lives, so naturally I’ve had decades of practice acclimating to the new lifestyle. So, for your family, it’ll be crucial to give them time… lots and lots of it, because your Celiac disease is, unfortunately, here to stay. And it’s best you get used to it now.

So, you see, being in a relationship with someone with Celiac isn’t just about making sure there’s gluten-free bread in the pantry. It’s more of an unspoken understanding of the little intricacies. For my husband and brother, their Celiac disease meant a complete lifestyle overhaul. Think about it—no more spontaneous dining out without ensuring the place is gluten-free friendly, meticulously reading labels, and the constant worry that a tiny breadcrumb could cause an issue. I’ve seen firsthand the frustration and challenges they’ve faced, and as a family member, it’s been a learning curve, to say the least.

But through these challenges, I’ve also witnessed resilience and adaptation. My husband and brother have shown an incredible ability to navigate a world seemingly filled with gluten and still manage to thrive. They’ve taught me patience and the importance of support, especially on those days when gluten-free options feel limiting or when they’re just tired of explaining their dietary restrictions.

— Josie, New York, USA