Food allergies can make having a social life impossible when family and friends don't understand the harm and danger they pose. Staying safe while living with a food allergy can often mean missing out on social events. Finding the right group of supportive friends can make all the difference.

On MyFoodAllergyTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with food allergy, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Social life is one of the most discussed topics.

Here are a few question-and-answer threads about social life:

• How do you explain to restaurants that you have food allergies and how do you know they listen to you?

• Does anyone have advice how to help others understand how severe an allergy can be!?

• How to deal with family in relation to food allergies?

Here are conversations that have taken place about social life:

• My little one went to a birthday party. With proper planning, we had a great time.

• I don't bother explaining, I bring something I can share.

• I continue to go to functions they host and have to leave because they’re not safe for me.

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to MyFoodAllergyTeam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.