In a perfect world, dating, maintaining relationships, being social and making new friends would be easy for everyone, however in the real world these task can be a challenge. When you suffer with an invisible illness, these challenges are magnified a hundred fold. If family and friends do not understand what you are going through, how will someone new be able to?
The begin stages of dating is all about first impressions, how well you keep the conversation flowing, expressing and finding common interest, and finding other commonalities. Lets take a look at how invisible illness affects these components of dating:
First Impressions- When brushing your teeth or attempting to do you hair is a physical challenge, it is impossible to put forth the effort needed to look stunning for a night on the town. If your body is attacking itself, looking good is not high on your list of priorities.
Keeping the Conversation Flowing- When you are out of the loop on current events, could not care less about who was just voted off the island, and do not remember the last concert or sporting event you have attended. Your illness consumes your life, and your quest for diagnosis, treatment and understanding do not rate highly as date conversation topics creates a challenge getting to know someone new.
Expressing Interest- Even if you enjoy the companionship and find your date intriguing, expressing interest is a challenge. You simply do not have the energy to be interested in anything or anyone outside the realm of your diagnosis and healing.
Finding Commonalities - If you are having trouble keeping the conversation flowing, it is not likely that you will discover what common interests, dreams, and goals you share with your date.
While dating with an invisible illness is certainly possible, building and maintaining a relationship while starting at ground zero often poses insurmountable challenges. Remember, family and friends knew you when and have a vested interest in your life. It is hard for someone new to see the real you especially when you have lost sight of yourself.
What were my personal experiences? I was unable to sustain any relationship past the third or fourth date. My energy was zapped and I just could not focus on anything else but getting well.
When it feels like an invisible illness is taking over your life, rememeber your not alone, and when the doctor diagnosis with the symptom you came in with, you have other options.
Author Resource:-
I help woman overcome chronic illness challenges through self-management or for more articles visit href="http://takecontrolofyourhealth.wordpress.com"> Good Health Coach
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