“I can’t eat here,” said the lunchtime acquaintance, “I’m severely gluten intolerant.”
“Oh really? I’m sorry to hear that. What are the specific symptoms you exhibit?” I asked politely.
“I’m just intolerant that’s all.” he replied.
“But specifically, how do the symptoms present themselves?” I was curious. I was polite.
“I just feel bad.” said the business contact irately.
I nodded sympathetically.
We settled for the over-priced “build your own” salad next door.
We ate our meal over polite conversation.
I constantly diverted away from business discussions and working together.
And ultimately I decided not to pursue any possibility of future business.
Affectation is a metaphor.
P.S. I am actually mildly gluten intolerant but that won’t ever stop me from consuming vast quantities of fresh baked bread and freshly rolled pasta.