- Messages
- 70
- Location
- Chelmsford, England
I was wondering if anyone moderately affected like myself finds being sociable with those outside the family totally exhausting.
I have several friends who say they understand CFS/ME but have no real insight into the condition. I try to only see people very infrequently in this group as it involves housework, making coffee etc, which is too exhausting relative to the enjoyment of the visit.
I have managed to get enough window of energy over the last fifteen years to work very part time from home, and to put all my remaining energy into my family and husband and pets, but those other than very close friends are really not possible to keep up with even by phone. Is this how you all feel?
Some of this arises from the fact that some people are just too hard to talk to - even my father who still thinks the disease is due to too much stress, and if I am unwell wants to know why the doctor can't fix it. Some friends are sympathy givers, but it isn't what you necessarily need - more acceptance and respect and an understanding that it is a long term condition.
I am learning to say no and not yes, when in the past I would use energy to see people in case I offended them by turning down invitations. This has resulted in better control of the disease through pacing, but a much smaller circle of friends. Anyone else in this boat?
I seem to have started to really enjoy solitude, which is different to loneliness as I find it restful to be just in the company of myself, or my husband or dog, rather than trying to keep up commitments to social activities involving travel, telephones or housework to prepare for them.
I have several friends who say they understand CFS/ME but have no real insight into the condition. I try to only see people very infrequently in this group as it involves housework, making coffee etc, which is too exhausting relative to the enjoyment of the visit.
I have managed to get enough window of energy over the last fifteen years to work very part time from home, and to put all my remaining energy into my family and husband and pets, but those other than very close friends are really not possible to keep up with even by phone. Is this how you all feel?
Some of this arises from the fact that some people are just too hard to talk to - even my father who still thinks the disease is due to too much stress, and if I am unwell wants to know why the doctor can't fix it. Some friends are sympathy givers, but it isn't what you necessarily need - more acceptance and respect and an understanding that it is a long term condition.
I am learning to say no and not yes, when in the past I would use energy to see people in case I offended them by turning down invitations. This has resulted in better control of the disease through pacing, but a much smaller circle of friends. Anyone else in this boat?
I seem to have started to really enjoy solitude, which is different to loneliness as I find it restful to be just in the company of myself, or my husband or dog, rather than trying to keep up commitments to social activities involving travel, telephones or housework to prepare for them.