Strangers Ignore The Con-Texture

(We are getting something to eat after an NICU developmental appointment for our daughter. It’s worth noting that I am autistic and textures in food will sometimes feel off to me, therefore not allowing me to eat. It’s also worth noting that I’m a rather heavy woman. We are out to eat at a well-known fast food restaurant, and it’s the first time I’m trying one of their burgers.)

Me: *removing the burger* “Blech.”

Husband: “Don’t like it?”

Me: “Oh, no, I like it… It’s just that the texture is off to me. Shame, it tasted good, too…”

Husband: “It’s all right, babe. Maybe we can find something else you like later.”

Me: “Maybe.”

(At this point, a random couple walks by, clearly not amused by me taking apart the burger.)

Man: “Picky b****.”

Husband: “I’m sorry?”

Man: “What? Clearly she’s a picky b****! Then again, probably could afford to skip a few burgers! What’s this, sweetheart, your fifth burger?”

Husband: “Listen, a**hole, my wife has an invisible disorder that sometimes prevents her from eating something if the texture isn’t right. She can’t help it and it bothers her because she can’t get enough protein in a day. On top of that, she is TRYING to be healthier for our daughter!”

Man: “Whatever. Kid will probably end up a fat b****.”

Husband: “Now you’ve crossed the line.”

(My husband stands up, ready to fight the stranger, when his wife intervenes.)

Woman: “It’s not like she’s autistic!”

Me: “I am!”

Husband: “She is autistic!”

(At this point, nearly everyone in the place is staring in our direction and I’m on the verge of grabbing our daughter and running out.)

Man: “Bull-s***! She’s just being picky! Waste of money and space…”

Husband: “She works hard, every single day, since the day she gave birth at 26 weeks to our daughter, to be the best mom she can be, to lose weight, clean, and cook on a daily basis despite the physical pain from her back and hips and her autism. I will be damned if I let you, or anyone else, put her down for something she cannot control. What does it matter to you if she eats a bun, cheese, and ketchup because the burger had a texture that was off to her? She actually took more bites than usual. Now f*** off before I take your over sized head and shove it in the garbage!”

(The couple grumbled and left, bright red after receiving many glares, but the damage was already done. I didn’t eat for the rest of the meal, despite the amount of times my husband tried, but on the way out he bought me a dessert, telling me I had enough stress for a month. I love him.)