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Not Everyone Will Understand My Life With Chronic Illness — and That's OK

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I’ve learned in the past few days of being in the ER that no matter how much it hurts, not everyone will get me, and that’s OK. Some might think I’m too negative or haven’t tried everything — and that’s OK.

If someone doesn’t show respect for you, that’s different. But the ones who love you — consider taking their advice and opinions with a grain of salt. It’s not that they don’t love you, it might just be they’re desperate to help and don’t know how to help or understand. And they might never know or understand. But don’t give up on those people just because they don’t get it. I’m sure we all have parts of ourselves others don’t always understand. If they love me, they will do their best to understand, and that is what I need.

Don’t be afraid to speak your mind about this, but sometimes we also have to know not everyone will understand. Our minds are different, and that’s OK. I try to be understanding, even if I hate their idea or suggestion. We never know what’s going through someone else’s mind or what’s going on in someone else’s life. And if we don’t try our best to see other’s views, we might take our anger out on someone who loves us and is trying to understand but doesn’t. Remember they are trying. If it’s not in the right way for us, and they are genuinely trying to help, at least they care and are trying to help.

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Image via Thinkstock Images

Originally published: December 23, 2016
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