retreat into your head where you feel safe. But the truth is, not being fully present can cause you to miss out socially, and strangle your relationship with your partner before it even begins.
Try being present by letting your partner inside your head – with you! Tell them how you’re feeling today – even if it sounds a little graphic (“Sorry if I’m a bit snippy today, babe. I think my HS is flaring up in my underarms.”).
Sharing what is going on in your head and body allows your partner the chance to listen and show you empathy, which will only strengthen your relationship.
4. Remember who you are.
You are not your illness. Whether you are dealing with HIV, COPD, achy joints from Psoriatic arthritis, or a painfully unwelcome lump from Hidradenitis suppurativa, you were and are you first. So live like it!
You are worth the moments it takes to get to know you. So, take up a hobby. Hit a social hour and meet new girlfriends. And date freely.
Whether you speed date, date online, or have a simple get-me-out-the-friend-zone coffee date with an associate, your chronic condition is what you have – not who you are.