I’ve found it’s not my close friends that I’ve scared off. Just some
acquaintances. I’ve been careful with my good friends not to talk
about it too much. I had the initial fear/concern, etc., which I wanted
to share, but then after awhile I realized they may get just a little tired of
hearing about it. They are more educated about it now and if they
want to know more, they ask. I have to say though, that I don’t
have that many really close friends anyway.
The “others” say things like, “you’re eyes are really red,” or “You like
like Susan Sarandon.” Well, I don’t look like her, and no one “ever” told
me I looked like her up until last year. They don’t know what else to say.
So, I respond, “It’s the Graves Disease,” and that usually sends them away.
I may get a few additional questions, but that’s it and off they go.
That’s fine with me.
Long story short, you’re not alone. You put the word “disease” on
the end and that puts something scary in some people’s heads. I guess
the other point would be to be careful how much you talk about it
around your friends. Believe me, I know it can be consuming sometimes,
but that’s why this support group is here.
Regards,
