Multiple Sclerosis Can Cause Society to View You Differently

By Mandy Crest, Health Guide Sunday, December 23, 2007

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“You look so good!” What is it about that phrase that makes those of us with MS cringe? Visit any MS related website or blog and you'll find this among the top complaints. It has had a place at the top of my own list.It is meant to be and is, in every sense of the word, a compliment...

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theresag79

12/28/07 7:24pm

Very wise words, Bravo ! Big Smile

Donna Boone

1/11/08 2:15pm

I had to laugh when I read this. I can't tell you how many times people say that to me! It took me back at first but now I just say 'thank you' and leave it at that. I must say though.. the saying that drive me nuts is: I know someone with MS and they are perfectly fine!

What do you say to this comment? I can't tell you how many times I've been told this in some shape or form!

Again, I just say 'oh well, good for them'.

Its all how we approach life right? I am not about to let silly comments bring me down! I have to much to accomplish.

Cheers

Donna

Mandy Crest, Health Guide

1/11/08 2:42pm

Donna,

I believe we have the ability to choose how we take comments from others, though it does take practice.

“I know someone with MS and they are perfectly fine!” Oh, yes I have heard that one and it really gets me steamed! Usually it comes from a skeptical source. I do my best to calmly and rationally explain MS, yet I resent the implication. I’ve also come to realize that not everyone who comments is particularly interested in the facts. C’est la vie!

The older I get the more I realize that I don’t have to take everyone else’s opinions to heart.

Perhaps I’ll devote a future post to this topic. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter.

Annie

3/ 2/12 1:55am

Dear Mandy

It was so good to read your comments and I think you are amazing in the way you have learned to be gracious and accept this as a compliment and not take it on board in a negative way.

I have often felt that I had a problem with over-sensitivity and this type of comment has frustrated me many times. An MS nurse once told me 'It is the pain people can't see that is usually the worst'.

As an older person, my other 'favourite' when I am feeling too tired to socialise is 'We are all getting older you know, it is normal to be tired.

It is comforting to know I am not alone in feeling upset sometimes. It is not sympathy I am looking for but understanding and I feel as though I have to justify why I can't do something or go somewhere.

Thank you again and I wish you well.

Anne

Ann Pietrangelo

3/ 5/12 5:01pm

Hi, Annie:

Thanks so much for your comment. I, too, have found that with age -- or should I say maturity -- that I don't feel the need to justify my actions. I know what I know, and it's not really necessary that everybody understand why I'm not able to socialize sometimes. You know, this getting older thing isn't all that bad!

All my best,

Ann (aka Mandy)

Multiple Sclerosis Can Cause Society to View You Differently

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