How To Bring Food To An Ill Friend Who May Be Embarrassed

If a friend finds it hard to accept a meal, is there a way to bring food without it feeling like a handout?

We all have times when we are eager to accept the kindness of others. . . And when we are not. Invisible illness creates an awkwardness at times, because we may not necessarily be bedridden or unable to get around the kitchen, yet our fatigue and pain is debilitating.

There are some people who flat out feel insulted that someone things they are so sick they ned someone to cook for them. They associate this with something people do for new moms, people recovering from surgery or invalids. . . And they don’t feel like they are any of those!

And yet. . . Perhaps a meal or two could be a real blessing for their family. You never know when mom (or dad) is saying, “no, we don’t need any meals,” and yet the children are eating cereal for the fourth night in a row for dinner.

I have found one of the best ways to offer a meal can be as if the person is doing you a favor. You can say,

“You know, I made way too much stew for just my family. I wondered if you would be able to take some of it off my hands?”

“I made a double batch of meatloaf and then realized I have no room in my freezer. Would your family enjoy it for dinner?”

“They had the best price at the supermarket on chicken, but I bought a lot more than my family will eat. I have it all marientated and thought you may b able to use it this week to pop in the oven?”

See how the way you word it can make it sound less like “charity” and more as a favor they are doing for you?

What do you think? Have you ever wanted to bring a meal or another gift to someone who was hurting but she or he had a lot of pride? Was there a way you were able to do it without having it become an awkward situation? If someone offered to bring a meal to you in this way, would you feel a little less awkward accepting their gift?

TWEET THIS: Things TO SAY to an ill person #15 I made too much dinner for our family. Can I bring food? #iiwk12

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-ljc

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