Thanks for your replies. I really don't mind not eating, it is just that if you are trying to make new friends, you don't want to be rude. When you say "I can't eat sugar or starch" since they are not familiar with the program, they don't realize that there is sugar in the salad dressing, etc.
I can't show up with my own dressing. I can at my in laws or at close friends' houses but not at new friends' or people you don't know much.
JanaBanana,
Your example with the lasagna was just exactly what I was referring to. I would have been perfectly happy sitting there eating the side salad and enjoying the company. Because that is what is all about. Thank God after 4 months in this WOE I can sit at a table in front of the most delicious carbs and not feel tempted. But the hosts sure don't feel the same way. And that is what I'm trying to avoid.