Expressing your love can be tricky business. More so when it is the most romantic day of the year and your partner is prone to allergies. Skin rashes, nasal congestion, or itchy eyes, triggered by chocolates and flowers gifted by you, is not going to make your honey feel very attractive. A case of severe allergies could also land him / her in the emergency room. It is important that you recognize possible allergy triggers so that your loved one can enjoy an allergy free Valentine’s Day.
With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, now would be a good time to start planning your day of romance. Here are a few pointers.
1. Gift allergy friendly chocolates
If your partner suffers from food allergies, avoid chocolates that have any form of tree nuts (walnut, almond, hazelnut, cashew, pistachio, and Brazil nuts), peanuts, or seeds (sunflower or sesame). Read the ingredient information very carefully, including information that indicates if the chocolate is made on shared equipment used to process nuts. You could also order gluten free chocolates online and prepare a one-of-its kind chocolate gift hamper for your sweetheart. Avoid buying chocolate boxes that do not carry ingredient labels.
2. Book your romantic dinner well in advance
If you are planning a romantic dinner at your favourite restaurant, you need to be more proactive than just making a reservation. Make an appointment prior to Valentine’s Day with the restaurant manager and chef to discuss how your partner’s dietary needs could be accommodated to make the evening enjoyable for the both of you.
Also, discuss the beverages because some wines and champagnes contain sulfites which can pose a problem for somebody with a food allergy. Once the dinner is over, don’t forget to express your gratitude with a generous tip for the restaurant staff and a thank you card.
Of course, if you really want to show her/him just how much you care, there’s always the option of cooking at home.
3. Choose the right flowers
Valentine’s Day is incomplete without that perfect bouquet of colourful flowers. But certain varieties such as roses, star jasmine, narcissus, gardenia and lily of the valley, can trigger nasal allergies and may cause bouts of sneezing. Opt for a bouquet of more allergy friendly flowers such as daffodil, daisy, dahlia, gladiola, marigold, orchid, petunia, snapdragon, sunflower, tulip, or violet.
4. Stay clear of scented products
Stay clear of scented massage oils, lotions, fragrances and other scented products such as candles and teddy bears, which can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive. Once again read the product components. Almond and macadamia nut oils, for instance, may be present in common beauty products.
As a final tip – watch what your own food intake during the day as well, so you can end the evening with a perfect allergy friendly kiss!
Happy Valentine’s day everyone.
Photo by Simon Howden
Great aricelt, thank you again for writing.
You are welcome 🙂