Dating with MS is definitely an adventure of its own. At what point do you tell the person you have a chronic illness? It adds to the multitude of unknowns in any relationship. You know ... the questions of when do you tell them that you're really falling for them ... or when do you call after a date ... or any of those silly quandaries that we manage to create for ourselves. After three dates? Three months? We do make things complicated, don't we?
I live with a sense of fair play that others sometimes find a bit ridiculous ... but really ... don't you think someone should know something like this before they've totally committed to a relationship? Don't you think they should know what they're getting into?
You see ... in many ways, I am incredibly fortunate. To the casual observer ... and sometimes even the not so casual ... MS is virtually invisible in my life. An outsider can't see my fatigue ... or know that the pain in my neck and shoulder are making focusing on the simplest things difficult. Even that invisibility is double-edged, though. It means that I have the benefit of not having an instant strike against me when people first meet me. And as much as I would like to believe that a wheelchair or a cane or weakness in an arm or leg don't produce bias in others, I don't really believe that. Now, don't get me wrong ... I believe those are hurdles we can overcome ... I just find it unfortunate that the overcoming is necessary. Who I am hasn't changed because I have MS and my intelligence hasn't been diminished by my time keeping its company.
Oh, and the fear that comes along with the decision to tell! The wondering if the person will bolt in fear ... or treat us differently ... or judge us for not telling sooner ... or a million other things. And the immeasurable joy of having someone merely say "Oh, okay" and treat you no differently.
Your comments and contributions on the topic are eagerly anticipated ...
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For me I tell before it's goes too far partly because it hurts some much if the person thinks I was keeping it from them and now doesn't trust me any more. It's easier for me to spot pity sooner, pity and friendship at first look the same but feel different. But that's just me.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you posting again after such a long absence! I whispered into a red-headed birdie's ears to encourage you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mary. You need to have a frank and honest discussion on the topic. Just because you have it, does not condemn you to a wheelchair next week. And there are no promises that your dating partner may not develop some other affliction that you can face together, should you choose to move forward together.
A relationship worth developing into a long-term romantic partnership begins with open, honest communication, discussing fears and truths. In the end, if you are fortunate, you will spend your old age with that parnter, holding hands while sitting in matching rocking chairs (or recliners) and merely enjoying each other's companionship.
Keep moving forward! Best regards - Beth
Thanks, Beth ... I'm so grateful that the red-headed birdie has you in her life!!
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