Its one of the questions that I always get asked as part of my evaluation in the big girl neuro clinic. Do you feel that people have been more critical of you this month? Do you feel that you have been more critical of people this month? Do you feel that you are liked? Do you feel like people are talking about you in a negative way? Do you feel like you have friends?

I always thought those questions were wild and out of place till the last flare I went thru. I felt like folks were being hyper critical of me. I felt like they didnt trust me or believe me when I said things. I felt like I had to work harder to explain myself.

Since the flare subsided, its been much less but I still have snippets of distrust or feeling distrusted. Stupid things that make no sense, and have no connection to history, but yet...there it is. I feel like people are judging me. This is silly, because I am not a girl who normally cares or is flattened by what others think. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and while I may not always agree with you, it doesnt mean we cant be friends, or talk it over.

This has truly been different for me. Does anyone else have periods in their disease where they feel like others are judging them? just dont like them? Wish they would just go away? Like one message board I was at, I posted a nice thread that had some questions and NOT ONE person responded (its not a thank you place) it just sat. Now I know that probably folks didnt have an answer. They didnt know me since I was new there, and they were probably waiting on someone more knowledgeable to speak up, but after a full week. I deleted my post, and went away. I saw everyone chatting it up in posts all around mine, but not one stopped to say hello, welcome, cant help you but...

Why does this happen? I am not used to it, and dont want to wear it. How do you get over it? or am I the only one?

As MS can cause swings in affect, it can produce paranoia and some find and have posted a feeling of fear of burglars, hearings sounds along with smell sand taste changes, etc. Brain stuff stimulation can produce cognitive damages too as is well explored. Sometimes I forget I forget and try to be cognitively aware of some things. I taught NI (Neurologically Impaired) kids (now I am, how ironic)along with PI (Perceptually Impaired, LD (Learning Disabled) and a bunch of other letter kids for years and compensating (as well as awareness) of lost skills was often a goal.

What kicker said makes a lot of sense.

Plus I have learned over the years that (as incredible as this sounds) not everybody likes me.

I like you B2Y,

Me too, even if you both don't like me..

Seriously though, I never have that feeling. I mean I know if someone doesn't like me but, what is my stand by saying?.."I just don't shiv a git"

I like you too B2Y and sally will always be tops in my book. Even if I do irritate her sometimes.

I have never been a girl that was wounded by what others thought about me, or even cared what their opinion is. As long as I know I am right with God, being Fair and considerate, I move on. its just that since that last huge flare, I feel like folks are judging me. Staring at me (i was blind with a cane, and wandering the streets, they probably had good reason to stare) and yet...it bothered me. I felt like I stood out. I dont like standing out.

I know I am being overly sensitive, and I know its an MS thing, but I was hoping that I wasnt alone, or others would tell it theirs went away...

Well, before MS I was very aware of what I thought people thought about me. But, I was also working full time and out in the public alot. I shouldn't have put so much importance on what others thought but I was definitely swayed by what/how I thought I "should be".

Now, it's gone the total opposite direction. I mean, I don't want people to not like me but if they don't......oh, well. I don't have the physical or emotional energy to worry about it.

As long as I know my heart is right with God I'm good.

I haven't had the mood or emotional swings from MS....yet. That's not to say I won't, though. Menopause is just around the corner......ya'll watch out!!

We love you here, Dej. And you never have to explain a "bad day". We understand.

P.S. I wuv you, too, B2Y.

Exactly!!!!

Sal,
Stop being paranoid. You know I love you!!!! And your git too.

I care less what other people think of me now than ever before though I have noticed I have quite the inferiority complex when with those in senior positions at work. I used to be able to hold my own, but more and more, I get red in the face and stutter.

But really, who gives two hoots what they think of me? Eh? I do? really? me, care?
Well maybe I do then...