Sorry, I'm Allergic by Ricky

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do” may be great advice when trying to figure out proper etiquette for the dinner table; but, “when in Russia, do as the Russians do” is not always helpful, unless one is trying to blend in and not draw attention to oneself. In Russia, it is expected that when one is invited to dinner or other social occasions, one will join in the rounds of alcoholic drinks (principally vodka) served with or after the meal. “No thank you,” “I don’t drink,” “I don’t like it,” and even “It is against my religion,” are all socially unacceptable, rude, and is inferred that you are superior to your hosts. So, what is a teetotaler supposed to do in such circumstances? Ironically, “Sorry, I’m allergic” is a socially acceptable excuse, even though no one actually believes it. In fact, it may be the only acceptable excuse.

On a more personal level, I have many allergies of the common medical variety. Just like most people, I also have many non-medical type allergies. Among these are: liars, cheats, thieves, arsonists, bullies, megalomaniacs, violence-mongers, murderers, wars, drug dealers or pushers, and corporations with policies that are anti-social or destructive to individual or societal stability or are based upon greed.

On an even more personal level, at my current age, I am also allergic to: changing a baby's dirty diapers, higher taxes, false friends, and physical labor. I feel an allergic reaction coming on from all this typing so I’m done.

© 4 November 2013

About the Author

I was born in June of 1948 in Los Angeles, living first in Lawndale and then in Redondo Beach. Just prior to turning 8 years old in 1956, I began living with my grandparents on their farm in Isanti County, Minnesota for two years during which time my parents divorced.

When united with my mother and stepfather two years later in 1958, I lived first at Emerald Bay and then at South Lake Tahoe, California, graduating from South Tahoe High School in 1966. After three tours of duty with the Air Force, I moved to Denver, Colorado where I lived with my wife and four children until her passing away from complications of breast cancer four days after the 9-11 terrorist attack.

I came out as a gay man in the summer of 2010. I find writing these memories to be therapeutic.

My story blog is TheTahoeBoy.Blogspot.com