I have followed a few threads over the years in this forum about:

1. What to say when people ask stupid question/think they should see you in a wheelchair tomorrow/way too personal/etc.

2. The people above or friends or family want to help in some way.

I don't know...maybe it is old age or the antidepressants that evoke my reaction (those little white pills make me very mellow indeed).

I wanted to start a new thread so that I do not take away from any one thread of its own target/vent.

I HATE this disease and wish I was the stupid person asking the question rather than being the target of the question. That being said, I cannot control their action only my reaction.

So I answer whatever questions in a kind manner. In part, it depends on whether I LIKE that person as to how much detail I go into. Those who are just irritating get short answers and I make a get away. Somehow the bathroom always seems to be calling my name and I just hope that irritating person does not follow me into the stall!

Secondly, people want to help. It can be YOUR gift to them to accept help. It makes them feel good, useful. And there may be a day that you want help and since you have denied them, you may find they are not there when you truly NEED company/friendship/errands.

Accepting help does not make you helpless. There is no badge of honor for being independent until you cannot function.

MS is horrible. My ANGER is more with myself than any well meaning stupid person or friend that needs to do something when THEY think you are in need.

I guess I just reflect back to myself. I have asked PLENTY of stupid questions and have been permitted to help friends.

There for the grace of God go I.

Just my philosophy.