Some would consider me a fussy eater. I have a very sensitive palette and simply can't stomach certain food textures (ie. rice pudding), degrees of "freshness" (milk older than a few days makes me gag) or food flavoured by other foods or strong smells (fishy or even metals tastes in food that have been in contact or close proximity with such items).

I always politely state that I'm fine whenever offered questionable items just to be safe. I try not to offend and do it before anyone goes through the trouble of preparing anything for me. I know it may be rude to you but would you rather I politely decline or be puking in your bathroom moments later because I ate something that triggered a bad reaction?

This does not mean I'm not an adventurous eater. If my curiosity is getting the best of me I always ask for a list of ingredients and cooking preparations and blame it on a pseudo nut allergy or recently having food poisoning (not far off since I tend to get food-related illnesses quite often).