I never really had a problem with hiding my phobia until last year when I decided to move away for university. Its hard to keep your little quirks under wraps when living so closely with 5 other people (however, luckily I chose the on-suite room so most of my quirks could still be kept to myself)


After a while, people were casually putting their knives (used to cut meat) or chopping boards in the sink or leaving them on the sides, which caused me to be put off using all knives and chopping boards in the flat, and I hated going into the kitchen - leading to me eating way too little


It got to the point where I had to try explain to them that they needed to clean up more because I was suffering... yet they thought I was being naggy and just wanted them to tidy up which alienated me a little. Also, trying to explain to people that I dont get drunk incase I feel ill is also extremely hard when faced with lots of students eager for a good time and disregarding the consequences, or actually being proud of getting in such a state they end up V*ing everywhere!


I ended up moving out this year and found 5 different, more understanding housemates who I will live with again in my third year. Although they havent a clue about the extremity of my phobia, they are a tiny bit more understanding.


So, what I want to know is, how you guys have tried to explain to other people about being an Emet, and how understanding they have been etc? And for that matter, can anyone REALLY understand us until they know how it actually feels??


Because my experiences havent been great, although my BF understands a lot more now he has seen my quirks for the last 2 years, but he is the only person who kind of understands me. (literally, my parents DO NOT understand one bit - they just think i dont like V* - no matter how many times I try and explain)


Any stories, good or bad, or advice would help me out a lot thanks