[Blessings2You]

Kicker's thread got me thinking...

Do you say things here that you don't tell anybody in your "real" life? There's something about this community...there's always somebody who gets it. And sometimes all it take is one, just one person who understands.

I had just gotten out of the shower around 6 this evening, drying my hair, and all of a sudden it hit me: I didn't cry today! And then it hit me: There's nobody I can tell that to. And then it hit me: Yes there is. And so I just did.

[SallyC]

I love this post, thanks and hugs.

[Ponygirl]

I really thought, your question was interesting!
But, I was wondering, were you asking, whether, we ask things, here,
which, we don't feel *comfortable*, asking people in our "real" lives?
Or, did you mean, things, we really don't want others to know???
I mean, *anyone*, could find their way to this site and see all of our
posts?! Just, wondering!

Phyllis

[Blessings2You]

Good point, Phyllis. Yes, this is a public forum, and I wouldn't post anything confidential or that could cause trouble for someone else.

I meant things that, for various reasons, I don't feel comfortable sharing with my family, friends, church, whatever.

[Ponygirl]

Yeah, I guess, that was just, a little reminder, anyone, can
pop in, here!

Phyllis

[Kitty]

B2Y, I love this thread, too! And I understand exactly what you mean. There's always someone here who "gets it" even when those in our everyday in-person real life don't. Especially for those of us with MS - the "misunderstood symptom" disease - because sometimes we look too good to feel so bad!

[doydie]

I say things here I wouldn't say to my family or anyone else and some of it I say it here because I can't say it to my family.

[Blessings2You]

Sometimes there are things you need to talk about but family and friends wouldn't get it. Sometimes there are things that you don't want to burden them with, or sometimes they are going through their own rough spots. Sometimes what you tell people (family, friend, co-worker) can have ramifications that you don't want. Some of us have people in our lives who always need to "win" the conversation.

Sometimes...you just need a safe place.

[hollym]

Yup. It is definitely a safe place. Sometimes healthier people discount what we deal with because they just don't know. When I say something about what is bothering me and the person doesn't get it, that can hurt. I can end up feeling "unheard". It is safe to say what is bothering me here. No one is going to brush me off!

I know that at least one other person here has dealt with any particular symptom and so I don't feel alone with it.

[Debbie D]

I know that I don't share what's going on so that I don't burden my family members, esp DH, who has more than his share to carry with his parents lately.
For instance, he said the other day, "You're walking really well." I told him that he doesn't know the mental energy it takes to make sure I am lifting my bad leg, not walking like a drunk, etc etc.

The emotional roller coaster ride is also something I try not to share, although DH's shoulder is always available to cry on...I could cry for hours if I let myself...just part of the disease for me. I get overwhelmed easily, the brain fog is frustrating at best, and I just need to boo-hoo to rid myself of the rotten feelings.
When I say to a friend I haven't seen for awhile, "I have MS," I get the usual "You look great...you don't look sick at all," I smile, nod, and thank my lucky stars that I have a place like this where people truly do "get it."