USA
I found this article. It is about arthritis and when is the proper time to tell of the illness. It brings up some good points. Check it out! take care~
Amanda
I have Arthritis
When is the right time to tell?
Let's dispel the most persistent myth about arthritis, once and for all. Arthritis is not just an old person's disease. It affects and afflicts young people too. Though many aspects of living and coping with arthritis are common to both old and young people who have the disease, certain concerns are more age-related.
A middle-age person who suffers with arthritis is typically focused on controlling their pain and preserving joint function so they can continue to work, maintain a household, and concentrate on their role within the family unit.
Elderly people with arthritis likely live alone or with their spouse, having children who left the nest long ago. Their physical limitations and increasing need for assistance can be their greatest worry.
Young adults with arthritis, who have yet to carve out their future, face a blockade of challenges. The path to college, career, and marriage - a daunting trio of events even without factoring in a chronic illness - is made even more difficult.
Life with chronic arthritis is physically and emotionally draining. Trying to live a normal life rapidly consumes any residual energy. Is there any energy left to expend on socializing, dating, and relationships? How does a young man or woman dealing with chronic pain 24/7, and struggling to maintain a work or school schedule, make the necessary effort to create new friendships?
It really is "effort" which is required. Young adults living with chronic arthritis must strive to be part of social situations, otherwise they allow the disease to become isolating. Even so, chronic disease can complicate new friendships and potential romantic relationships. Should you try to make new friends aware of how arthritis impacts your life on a daily basis? Is it possible to make them understand?
Actually, when to tell a new friend or date about your arthritis is an important consideration. Should honesty and being forthright lead you into the discussion during your initial meeting? Would it be better to wait? What are you waiting for? There are really two ways of viewing this dilemma.
Tell Immediately
Pro: Honesty. Openness. Gain understanding early on. Eliminate burden of finding the right time later.
Con: Might scare person away.
Tell Later
Pro: Person gets to know you first and realizes you are more than your disease.
Con: By withholding information it is implied that the problem is greater than it is.
There is no "right answer" to the questions posed. Opinions vary. Not everyone is comfortable with the same approach. But consider this - by telling about your disease early on, you draw the person into your world immediately. This inclusion gives them the chance to learn quickly about arthritis and gain awareness. Even if a budding romantic relationship is squelched, honesty is a strong foundation for a lifelong friendship.
By Carol Eustice
Amanda
I have Arthritis
When is the right time to tell?
Let's dispel the most persistent myth about arthritis, once and for all. Arthritis is not just an old person's disease. It affects and afflicts young people too. Though many aspects of living and coping with arthritis are common to both old and young people who have the disease, certain concerns are more age-related.
A middle-age person who suffers with arthritis is typically focused on controlling their pain and preserving joint function so they can continue to work, maintain a household, and concentrate on their role within the family unit.
Elderly people with arthritis likely live alone or with their spouse, having children who left the nest long ago. Their physical limitations and increasing need for assistance can be their greatest worry.
Young adults with arthritis, who have yet to carve out their future, face a blockade of challenges. The path to college, career, and marriage - a daunting trio of events even without factoring in a chronic illness - is made even more difficult.
Life with chronic arthritis is physically and emotionally draining. Trying to live a normal life rapidly consumes any residual energy. Is there any energy left to expend on socializing, dating, and relationships? How does a young man or woman dealing with chronic pain 24/7, and struggling to maintain a work or school schedule, make the necessary effort to create new friendships?
It really is "effort" which is required. Young adults living with chronic arthritis must strive to be part of social situations, otherwise they allow the disease to become isolating. Even so, chronic disease can complicate new friendships and potential romantic relationships. Should you try to make new friends aware of how arthritis impacts your life on a daily basis? Is it possible to make them understand?
Actually, when to tell a new friend or date about your arthritis is an important consideration. Should honesty and being forthright lead you into the discussion during your initial meeting? Would it be better to wait? What are you waiting for? There are really two ways of viewing this dilemma.
Tell Immediately
Pro: Honesty. Openness. Gain understanding early on. Eliminate burden of finding the right time later.
Con: Might scare person away.
Tell Later
Pro: Person gets to know you first and realizes you are more than your disease.
Con: By withholding information it is implied that the problem is greater than it is.
There is no "right answer" to the questions posed. Opinions vary. Not everyone is comfortable with the same approach. But consider this - by telling about your disease early on, you draw the person into your world immediately. This inclusion gives them the chance to learn quickly about arthritis and gain awareness. Even if a budding romantic relationship is squelched, honesty is a strong foundation for a lifelong friendship.
By Carol Eustice
