DEAR ABBY: I am a 29-year-old woman who has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It has been a rough road, and Im lucky to have such a supportive group. My issue is, when people find out, I get comments such as, Wow, you look so good! or suggestions on how I should cure my MS. The most hurtful one was that its all in my head. While I appreciate that folks care and want to offer help, I find their comments offensive and hurtful. How do I respond tactfully, but also convey that they should think twice before they say these things? -- UPSET IN OHIO DEAR UPSET: If someone says you look good, respond as you would to any other compliment -- say thank you. When someone offers a suggestion about how you can cure yourself, youll save yourself a lot of frustration if you keep in mind that the person cares enough about you to try to be helpful. All you need to do is smile and say firmly that you are under a doctors care and are satisfied with the treatment you are receiving. And, heaven forbid, if another individual tells you that your MS is all in your head, remember that just because a jackass brays does not mean you have to pay attention.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 22:17:19 +0000
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