A dear friend that I grew up with said something funny to me about that annoying statement!
Would you rather people said, " You look so bad " !!!!!!!
It is all relative!!!
One of my husband's college buddies sent this link to him for me! It is one of the best and funniest explanations of fibro that was written by this gal, Christine Miserandino! It is titled of course, "But you don't look sick!"
It has helped me so much with feeling sad and so frustrated when people imply that we are making it up, it's in your head! What a lazy person! Of course it's in my head! " Too bad you could not have fibro fog!!! Brain fog!
I got so many laughs out of it, and it perfectly describes what we are forced to deal with!
Even my sweet husband will ask me, " Did you use all your spoons?" He gets it, mostly!!!!
You can go to her website, www.butyoudon'tlooksick.com/the_spoon_theory
It has given me a different perspective on learning not to get so annoyed with people. But I mostly can use it as a "right on target" explanation to think about, and explain how much energy was exerted in a day regarding chores. We need to learn our capabilities, and how to set healthier boundaries re: how much energy is tied up with daily accomplishments. Most people don't really have to think about how much energy is exerted daily. Lucky dogs!!
It took me forever to come to terms with my limitations. But bottom line, I do, if I want to take better care of myself, and be able to cope best with all of this zany pain and annoyances!! Hope it helps you as much as it has assisted me!
"Are we having fun yet?!!!"
Ah yes......the ol..........You don't look sick. For many years I was able to hide my illness. I would just put on a pretty face and dress and hide it. I was in so much pain and taking pain killers just to manage life. No body knew. So whenever I would say anything at all about it they would just look at me in shock.. But...........you don't look sick. Several Dr's had told me you know if you wouldn't wear make up and dress so nice people would be more sympathetic. That was the whole point. I didn't want sympathy. I didn't want anybody to know my struggles. I already felt sick enough. I didn't want to acknowledge it.