Went to a Christmas party tonight and I kept having people bump into me-literally. It hurt so much and the loudness and just the feeling of being in a room with so many people started to chip away at my previously good attitude. Soon I was counting down the seconds to go home. Standing in line to get my food and suddenly this old man-whom I do not know-came over to me and hugged me REALLY tight to him and said some rubbish about "Why aren't you smiling?"
With a tight smile I told him "Thanks but I don't like to be hugged" and tried to move away. He pulled me closer and laughed saying "There you go! There is a smile!"
Out of sheer desperation I shoved him away from me. He let go but then he turned to someone beside him and commented on how there were so many people here who weren't friendly.

I was shaking so badly and as soon as he had touched me my Fibromyalgia took over and started to consume me all over. Immediately I took action and left for home.
It took me ALL DAY to prepare myself to go to that party tonight so my family and I could enjoy time together. I was exhausted from getting ready and had tried my best to look much more put together than normal. And then that man ruined it. I am so mad, and hurt, and in even more pain than I should be.

Starting to think I REALLY need to invest in a shirt that says something like "I do NOT do hugs" Or something like 'Don't touch me." But then another part of me fears people will do it even more. Why can't people be more considerate? Just because I look healthy and 'cute' does NOT mean you have the right to touch me and hug me. Trust me, it will NOT be welcomed at all.

#hurtandangry #Fibromyalgia #Arthritis #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #InconsideratePeople #CheckInWithMe #lookbutdonttouch !