Comments on: Reacting To Other People’s Reactions

By: Hannah

Hannah — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:30:05 +0000

What I’d like to know is how do you tell people you have arthritis? Its not really something you can just bring up in everyday conversation, and how do you tailor what you say depending on which type of person they are?
On another note, I once had someone say to me “I hope you get better soon”, I couldn’t help but laugh. Great post!

By: Gillian

Gillian — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:50:33 +0000

This is pretty much the way I deal with people, either they’re interested in learning more and I’ll chat about it or they’re not in which case I’ll chat about something else. I do however have a new way of dealing with people that tell me I look well, cos believe me without my make-up on I do not!! I simply look at them say ‘Thanks, it’s amazing what make-up can do isn’t it?!’
My daily mantra is ‘Get up, dress up, show up & never give up’ (replace dress up with make up for me!!)
I do also always make the effort to learn more if someone I know is dealing with an illness. I personally want to know what they’re dealing with so that I can try and garner some kind of understanding of what they’re going through.

By: Beth

Beth — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:36:49 +0000

wonderful article,,,and i would add that as anyone suffering from any disease, we all look for not the comments but compassion. but as you say with looking good today, say thanks! and move on. because yes, there are two groups, those who can take knowing and those who can’t.

one thing i would like to ask, how do you tailor this thought process to those even closer to you, say a spouse or parent? that’s when it is most difficult. Especially, when it is the second group. doesn’t want to know. any thoughts about dealing with that would be welcome. Thanks RA Guy!

By: Carolan Ivey

Carolan Ivey — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:40:44 +0000

Excellent post. It took me a long time to realize that anger never hurts the person who makes me angry – it only hurts me. The same applies to the disease itself. It’s a waste of time and energy to continue to hold on to anger over a situation I never had control over. It’s still tough to let go, sometimes, but it’s the healthiest thing.

By: Tina Tarbox

Tina Tarbox — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:21:20 +0000

These types of comments really gnawed away at my self-esteem when I was a young child with arthritis. I hadn’t yet developed the confidence that I have today. I handle them now in the same ways that you do. I find it helps me to maintain more peace and balance. Great article.