Ashee, I agree with you completely when it comes to thanksgiving. If you're a macaroni person like me, you might try the fried macaroni appetizer at California pizza kitchen. It's like macaroni surrounded by the breading from fried chicken.

I've noticed quite a lot of us selective eaters commenting about a fear or embarrassment of eating with other people, which makes me think maybe these food aversions might have something to do with social anxiety. While I'm able to eat in front of people, and don't avoid social situations because of food, I know I definitely have a hard time enjoying food if everyone makes a big deal about it, even if it's a food I like. If I know I'm going to be somewhere where other people decide the food options, I tend to bring along some backups just in case there aren't any plain bread rolls. (Weddings are a nightmare with all that "fancy" catered food) I think a significant part of the food issue is that we picky people don't want to feel like outcasts over what we eat. The more attention people put on us, the more our appetite diminishes. It's like being stared at while you're trying to sleep- you just can't get comfortable. In my attempts to acquire a taste for new foods, I've found trying things when I'm completely alone has been far more successful than trying things around other people. I encourage all of you to keep trying to find new things to eat. It may be difficult, but every success is worth the effort. You may have to try foods that some normal eaters would shy away from, but it's worth it. (I was feeling particularly brave one day and discovered that my mouth accepts breaded shrimp of all things, while I still can't handle the chewy texture of ham) Travel might also help: being in a foreign environment makes your brain more willing to accept unfamiliar things of many kinds. I hope you all find new and wonderful foods to eat!