Woman with ARFID Has Trouble Eating Out with Friends. Then Their Surprise for Her Goes Viral (Exclusive)

In a touching TikTok, the friendship between two women was highlighted after Cassidy Arvidson, who lives with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), was touched by her friend Abbie’s considerate gesture of preparing a special meal just for her at a group dinner party.

“Like any group gathering I always anticipate not being able to eat due to my ARFID,” Cassidy writes on her TikTok, adding, “Well she, without being prompted or running it by me, made me a dish of safe food that was also similar to what everyone was eating so I didn’t feel excluded.”

Cassidy’s initial reaction to Abbie’s gesture was shock, and then gratitude. “I was definitely taken aback… this was so kind and thoughtful and considerate,” Cassidy exclusively tells PEOPLE. “I really value consideration.”

For Cassidy, having a safe meal option significantly impacted her overall experience at the dinner party. “I just felt more included,” she explains. “I’m very used to excluding myself so it was just so nice to feel included.”

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Abbie’s attention to detail went beyond simply providing safe foods. Cassidy appreciated that her meal was similar to what everyone was eating, eliminating the explanation to others as to why she was eating different food.

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ARFID often presents significant challenges in social situations, with Cassidy highlighting having more difficulty with living in a food-centric city such as New York City. Cassidy often finds herself eating before events to avoid drawing attention to her eating habits.

“I usually prepare myself to eat beforehand, bringing a cracker or a snack, or just eating afterward,” she tells PEOPLE. “I just don’t like to be the focal point of why I’m eating something different or why I’m not eating at all sometimes.”

However, Cassidy's friends have been more than accommodating when spending time together. "They are very mindful and considerate of me and my eating habits and needs so we always use it for going out. We're usually choosing somewhere that's safe for me," she shares, adding, "My friends do a great job and there are levels to how they show up but Abbie definitely takes the cake."

After the TikTok clip went viral, Cassidy shared the news with Abbie, which led to an emotional moment between the two friends. “I was crying while she was watching it,” Cassidy recalls. “It was an emotional release for me because the whole moment itself meant a lot to me, but there was also so much positive feedback.”

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When Cassidy isn’t spending time with friends, she often uses her platform to raise awareness about ARFID and promote better understanding. “I think it’s just really important that we be more thoughtful and considerate of people that we’re around and how what we do or don’t end up doing ultimately impacts someone,” she notes.

Additionally, Cassidy advises against making assumptions when it comes to supporting friends with ARFID or other dietary restrictions. “We could never be assuming in this situation, especially with ARFID, because ARFID is so individualized,” she shares.

Instead, she recommends having open discussions about how best to provide support while respecting boundaries, similar to how Abbie has been with Cassidy throughout their friendship.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please go to NationalEatingDisorders.org.

Read the original article on People