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Lanabean
Yoginis
Member since 11/05 9202 total posts
Name: Lana
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Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
You may recall my friend who is divorced...the one I made sure to spend her "wedding day" with. Okay, well she's dating again and met this guy on Match who she liked. They went out 4 times and me and DH were to meet him tomorrow. Well, he told her he had something health-related he needed to share. He was diagnosed with MS and gives himself a shot everyday. He's doing fine, but MS *can* be debilitating in the future....he told her that some women can deal with what that might bring and others can't. Well, she told me she feels guilty, but she can't. Now, I'm not exactly the best person to pour your heart out to about not being able to date someone who is different, since my beautiful, single sister is physically disabled.
I told her that MS doesn't have to be a death sentence and if she really likes him, she should just see what happens but she isnt willing because she says she "doesn't want to play caretaker at 40." Yes, this is her choice. But I feel saddened by it. I just said to her: Well, you're off the hook now. Don't sweat it. But it made me really sad. DH can't believe she told me that THAT'S why she won't see him anymore. He is probably the nicest man to come her way in a LONG time.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:30 AM |
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AimeeE2006
Time flies!
Member since 1/06 5698 total posts
Name: Aimee
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
It's a tough situation. I'm honestly not sure what I would do. Since you have a physically disabled sister, you would most likely handle the situation differently if you were in her shoes. I don't think you are wrong to feel the way you do.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:34 AM |
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Lanabean
Yoginis
Member since 11/05 9202 total posts
Name: Lana
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Posted by AimeeE2006
It's a tough situation. I'm honestly not sure what I would do. Since you have a physically disabled sister, you would most likely handle the situation differently if you were in her shoes. I don't think you are wrong to feel the way you do.
As DH said: There is no way I can truly be diplomatic about it, b/c it just hits home too much.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:36 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
I don't think you're wrong to be disappointed in her. I think you'd be wrong if you held it against her & were no longer her friend.
Some people are stronger than others & can deal with what cards life dealt them & their loved ones. She's just not one of those people. The sad thing is that she could fall in love/marry someone and find him or herself in a similar predicament.
Message edited 8/24/2006 9:37:16 AM.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:36 AM |
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IluvBo
NICKY & EVIE
Member since 6/05 3321 total posts
Name: Rose
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
That's so sad. I feel bad for the guy, however, this is your friends decision. Could be that deep down inside she knows she doesn't have what it takes to "support" a man with an illness. She knows deep inside that she doesn't have the strength to be the person he might need her to be. It's okay to be disappointed with your friend, but don't hold it against her. She can't handle that situation, her issue noone else. She can't see outside the box. Better to face the reality of this now, then have them marry and then divorced because she can't handle it. Hope I made sense.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:36 AM |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name: Nicole
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
I know this may sound sh!tty of me, butI kind of have mixed feelings on this. I can kind of see her point. It's not like she's in love with this man (yet) and it's scary to look into the future and see someone you care about being so sick. Caring for someone can be physically and mentally exhausting. But then again, like you said, MS doesn't have to be a death sentence. But there's no way to know for sure how his health will develop. This is much more personal for you than it is for me, so I can totally understand why you feel the way you do. You would hate for somone to not give your sister a shot because if her disabilities.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:37 AM |
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suvenR
designer mutt
Member since 5/05 4239 total posts
Name:
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
He'll probably live to be 100 without any problems.
But, I can see where she's coming from.
For example, my MIL is turning 70- she doesn't drive, she barely speaks English, she's a widow, and DH is her only child.
DH told me that several women broke off relationships with him (not just because she's miserable) but because they didn't want to have to worry about being her caregiver.
For me, it also would have been a dealbreaker if my DH wasn't as amazing as he is.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:37 AM |
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Jenziba
?
Member since 5/05 6265 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
It could be her loss then...he could have been the best thing for her.
And, by the way, I'd be disappointed in her too...
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Posted 8/24/06 9:38 AM |
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johnsae
Sip.
Member since 3/06 18677 total posts
Name:
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
I think it's a very personal decision, and while you may be dissapointed in her at least she has the "balls" to figure out what she wants/needs before she gets even more involved with the guy. I hate to say it, but I probably would have made the same decision if I were in her shoes
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Posted 8/24/06 9:41 AM |
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baghag
:P
Member since 5/05 10278 total posts
Name:
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Posted by nrthshgrl
I don't think you're wrong to be disappointed in her. I think you'd be wrong if you held it against her & were no longer her friend.
Some people are stronger than others & can deal with what cards life dealt them & their loved ones. She's just not one of those people. The sad thing is that she could fall in love/marry someone and find him or herself in a similar predicament.
I agree.
I would point out to her that no one is "safe" from being a caretaker at any age. In fact- I'd say it is inevitable. Even if you manage to avoid major illness or an accident, EVERYONE ages and at some point you will be caring for your DH/DW.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:43 AM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
I understand where she's coming from. It's very personal choice, and some people are able to live with that possibility and others aren't. Of course it hits very close to home for you and I'm sorry I'm sure in the end it's her loss because she's missing out on a great guy
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Posted 8/24/06 9:44 AM |
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leighla
Support Cancer Research
Member since 5/05 16353 total posts
Name: Lauren
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Well, I'm extremely biased as my sister has MS.
It makes me mad even thinking about someone doing that to her.
But on the other hand, it's better to know now that this person is not going to be able to deal than to get further into the relationship and then drop him.
I would be disappointed too. More than that I would kind of be annoyed that she told you that story, knowing your background. She should have just said it wasn't working out.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:44 AM |
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Lanabean
Yoginis
Member since 11/05 9202 total posts
Name: Lana
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
I appreciate these opinions, as in my true form...I've been going nuts thinking about it. I would never not be her bud over this...but the way she was going on about it....I wanted to yell: STOP! Hello?! Have you like, forgotten who you're talking to?!
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Posted 8/24/06 9:45 AM |
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Michi
My Love
Member since 5/05 31600 total posts
Name: M
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
I can see where she is coming from but to tell YOU thats the reason is really really shi*tY in my opinion...
i had a similar situation.. friend "a"s father died--she got a lot of $$ due to his death
Friend "b" was telling ME how lucky friend "a" was that she got to travel all over the wolrd with this money and what a "lucky life" friend "a" leads...
this infuriated me b/c i lost my dad too and im sure that friend"a" would have picked her dad over money any day!
now that was friend "b"'s opinion but do u kno i took it as an inidirect insult and b/c of that to this day I dont speak with her anymore..all b/c of that--i was truly hurt b/c if she thinks friend a" is lucky then she must be at home thinking the same thing about me, and i have been threw tons of crap to make my life good--it wasnt handed to me on a silver platter..
i totally kno what ur going threw (sorry for including my long story)
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Posted 8/24/06 9:47 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name: Me
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
It's hard because I have someone in my family with MS. He was a doctor, but at 35 had to stop practicing because he was not steady enough to perform surgery or even most exams. His wife became primary caregiver, and he could not care for their three small children because he is now in a wheelchair. They cannot make ends meet paying for a nanny to take care of the husband and children while she works. Yes, he may live a long life, but it is a long, hard road for his wife, and I don't envy her situation. He found out he had it after they had children but she said she never would have had children had she known he would not be able to physically help raise them and had she been able to see their financial hardship. He can talk to them, but not play with them, drive them anywhere, etc, and losing his income was a huge change for her after staying home with the children.
Just another side to it--with many illnesses or disabilities you know what you are in for--with MS you really have no idea how early or quickly it will progress.
Message edited 8/24/2006 9:49:14 AM.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:48 AM |
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Lanabean
Yoginis
Member since 11/05 9202 total posts
Name: Lana
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Posted by nov04libride
It's hard because I have someone in my family with MS. He was a doctor, but at 35 had to stop practicing because he was not steady enough to perform surgery or even most exams. His wife became primary caregiver, and he could not care for their three small children because he is now in a wheelchair. They cannot make ends meet paying for a nanny to take care of the husband and children while she works. Yes, he may live a long life, but it is a long, hard road for his wife, and I don't envy her situation. He found out he had it after they had children but she said she never would have had children had she known he would not be able to physically help raise them and had she been able to see their financial hardship. He can talk to them, but not play with them, drive them anywhere, etc, and losing his income was a huge change for her after staying home with the children.
Just another side to it--with many illnesses or disabilities you know what you are in for--with MS you really have no idea how early or quickly it will progress.
Beth, I totally understand....I guess the part I'm stuck on is not giving him a chance because of it. I know it's not easy....
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Posted 8/24/06 9:50 AM |
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Lanabean
Yoginis
Member since 11/05 9202 total posts
Name: Lana
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Posted by muchinluvmichi
I can see where she is coming from but to tell YOU thats the reason is really really shi*tY in my opinion...
i had a similar situation.. friend "a"s father died--she got a lot of $$ due to his death
Friend "b" was telling ME how lucky friend "a" was that she got to travel all over the wolrd with this money and what a "lucky life" friend "a" leads...
this infuriated me b/c i lost my dad too and im sure that friend"a" would have picked her dad over money any day!
now that was friend "b"'s opinion but do u kno i took it as an inidirect insult and b/c of that to this day I dont speak with her anymore..all b/c of that--i was truly hurt b/c if she thinks friend a" is lucky then she must be at home thinking the same thing about me, and i have been threw tons of crap to make my life good--it wasnt handed to me on a silver platter..
i totally kno what ur going threw (sorry for including my long story)
WOW...Friend B is a real you know what!
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Posted 8/24/06 9:51 AM |
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lulugrrl
My 3 Blessings
Member since 3/06 6551 total posts
Name: L
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Posted by nrthshgrl
I don't think you're wrong to be disappointed in her. I think you'd be wrong if you held it against her & were no longer her friend.
Some people are stronger than others & can deal with what cards life dealt them & their loved ones. She's just not one of those people. The sad thing is that she could fall in love/marry someone and find him or herself in a similar predicament.
I think it is okay to be disappointed. However, I can also understand your friends feelings. My first husband had serious health issues, I was always afraid he was just going to throw a blood clot and die one day. I was scared every single day. Always had alittle burn in the pit of my stomach, knowing that most likely I would outlive him, and yes, I did play caretaker a LOT! But I loved him, so it didn't matter, I did everyting I could for him
After the divorce I dated, blah blah blah, found a WONDERFUL man...went on vacation with this man. Well...he ended up having a very bad seizure about an hour after we landed at our destination. We had to retun home the following morning. He has epilepsy, but had not had a seizue in 10 years, Any way, I am making this story too long...sorry. I was so scared, got that same burning feeling in the pit of my stomach again, that I was going to have to take care of this person etc... that I really sat back, and thought about if I wanted to be involved with someone that had a scarey health issue yet again. In the end I chose to marry him ...and I love him so much. There will always be a little black cloud over us.
However, even though I chose to do this, I did stop to think about it at one time. If your friend does not feel she could handle it, it is actually better to walk away now, and NOT when he is in a hospital bed debilitated, and really needed her. We ALL have emotional boundaries.
PS...I do hope there is a fabulous man out there for your sister...someone with a big enough heart to just love her..plain and simple.
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Posted 8/24/06 9:59 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name: Me
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Posted by LRusso
Posted by nov04libride
It's hard because I have someone in my family with MS. He was a doctor, but at 35 had to stop practicing because he was not steady enough to perform surgery or even most exams. His wife became primary caregiver, and he could not care for their three small children because he is now in a wheelchair. They cannot make ends meet paying for a nanny to take care of the husband and children while she works. Yes, he may live a long life, but it is a long, hard road for his wife, and I don't envy her situation. He found out he had it after they had children but she said she never would have had children had she known he would not be able to physically help raise them and had she been able to see their financial hardship. He can talk to them, but not play with them, drive them anywhere, etc, and losing his income was a huge change for her after staying home with the children.
Just another side to it--with many illnesses or disabilities you know what you are in for--with MS you really have no idea how early or quickly it will progress.
Beth, I totally understand....I guess the part I'm stuck on is not giving him a chance because of it. I know it's not easy....
I hear what you are saying. She probably is also hesitant after having been hurt by the ex.
Sometimes I think I am not a strong person though...I am in many ways, but I don't know if I could handle life if DH was a cop or a fireman. Yes, he could die in a car accident, but he is an accountant and our lives are relatively safe (albeit boring). I just couldn't sleep at night not knowing if DH would come home from work the next day.
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Posted 8/24/06 10:03 AM |
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lulugrrl
My 3 Blessings
Member since 3/06 6551 total posts
Name: L
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Just another side to it--with many illnesses or disabilities you know what you are in for--with MS you really have no idea how early or quickly it will progress.
This is so true...My HUsband can control his illness with medication, I mean there is always a rare chance he could have a seizure at a dangerous time out of the blue....but with MS, you just don't know, you really do not know what you are signing up for. It IS a BIG decision.
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Posted 8/24/06 10:07 AM |
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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
I can see why you would be disappointed but it's her life that would be affected which makes it her choice.
If at this time this is something she does not think she would be able to handle, then that's the choice she needs to make for herself. Self preservation kicked in -- why would she risk getting emotionally involved in a situation she does not want to be in?
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Posted 8/24/06 10:18 AM |
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MrsPorkChop
Twinning!!
Member since 5/05 9941 total posts
Name: Missy
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
she should have been sensitive to the fact that your sister is in a wheelchair. However, with that said, she probably sees past your sister's handicapp and sees her as an independant woman, and did not think you would be offended.
With that being said, considering its 4 dates, he was honest with her and she was honest with him. Obviosuly its a hard decision to make but I think its right of her not to string him along.
Maybe the chemistry was not that great as well? If it was, maybe his MS would not have affected her. Who knows.
Either way, I can undersntad your feelings on this and she should have been a little more sensitive. However, try not to judge her, because she was honest with you. Hopefully you will respect her for her honesty to him and forgive her for ending the relationship.
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Posted 8/24/06 10:19 AM |
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Lanabean
Yoginis
Member since 11/05 9202 total posts
Name: Lana
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Posted by preshy7
she should have been sensitive to the fact that your sister is in a wheelchair. However, with that said, she probably sees past your sister's handicapp and sees her as an independant woman, and did not think you would be offended.
With that being said, considering its 4 dates, he was honest with her and she was honest with him. Obviosuly its a hard decision to make but I think its right of her not to string him along.
Maybe the chemistry was not that great as well? If it was, maybe his MS would not have affected her. Who knows.
Either way, I can undersntad your feelings on this and she should have been a little more sensitive. However, try not to judge her, because she was honest with you. Hopefully you will respect her for her honesty to him and forgive her for ending the relationship.
Thanks, Melissa! I'm trying hard not to....just a little correction, though. My sis isn't in a wheelchair; she walks with a cane.
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Posted 8/24/06 10:29 AM |
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MrsPorkChop
Twinning!!
Member since 5/05 9941 total posts
Name: Missy
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
Posted by LRusso
Posted by preshy7
she should have been sensitive to the fact that your sister is in a wheelchair. However, with that said, she probably sees past your sister's handicapp and sees her as an independant woman, and did not think you would be offended.
With that being said, considering its 4 dates, he was honest with her and she was honest with him. Obviosuly its a hard decision to make but I think its right of her not to string him along.
Maybe the chemistry was not that great as well? If it was, maybe his MS would not have affected her. Who knows.
Either way, I can undersntad your feelings on this and she should have been a little more sensitive. However, try not to judge her, because she was honest with you. Hopefully you will respect her for her honesty to him and forgive her for ending the relationship.
Thanks, Melissa! I'm trying hard not to....just a little correction, though. My sis isn't in a wheelchair; she walks with a cane.
oh im sorry!! i though you had said that in your wedding review. i apologize.
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Posted 8/24/06 10:35 AM |
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Emily
Kasey & Me! Lurves it!
Member since 7/06 8703 total posts
Name: STBHC
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Re: Okay, am I wrong? Really Disappointed With Close Friend
I am really happy my dh and i were not judgemental when we were dating. Well, he sent me to the ER twice for food poisoning...we did not break up. I was diagnosed with a not so fun disease right after we got engaged...we did not break up. He is actually more into finding out about it then i am!! He makes sure i remember to take my pills, takes me to the doctor on my not so good days...sneaks good food into North Shore whether i am in for 2 days or a week!
If someone told me on the 4th date they had issues, I might freak out. It's so early in the relationship!! I would have waited a bit longer to see if the person was "Mr./Ms Right", before saying anything.
I guess I can say...I see both sides of the issue.
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Posted 8/24/06 10:38 AM |
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