Cousin Cuisine

Dear Alisa and Gina,

My cousin, who comes over to eat often, is a recent sort-of-vegetarian. (She does eat cheese, eggs, and dairy.)

Lately, before she visits, she calls us to tell us what we should purchase/make for her meal. My wife thinks we should accommodate her - after all she says, she’s family. But I think that my cousin should ask what we’re serving, and if she doesn’t want it, should bring her own microwavable meal. I mean, why should we change our menu to meet her needs? Can you settle this for us? ~ Let Her Eat Cake

Hey, I’m not a vegetarian either - (something to aspire to.) But if you know your cousin’s not going to eat meat - for goodness sake, don’t serve Bambi or Elsie that one day. You’ll all eat healthier. ~ Gina

Since it is your cousin, how about you initiate a new kind of conversation with her. Don’t just wait to hear from her, be proactive. When you invite her, tell her what the menu plan is, mention the vegetarian options. If you begin to think about the conversation in that way, you can still accommodate her AND you can act like hosts and be in control. ~Alisa