Want to Know What to Say to Rude Visitors, Relatives and Former Friends?

B'SD

13 Sivan 5771

Have you ever wondered why someone
chafes at your comments
when you try to comfort them?

Have you ever boiled with anger
at someone's tactless remarks
when they spoke to you or about
your medical situation?

There's an art in knowing
what to say and when
during time shared with
someone who's sick,
recovering or facing disabilities.

It can be learned.
It is based on mutual respect.

The New York Times has an insightful "What to Say to Someone Who's Sick" article that I recommend you read. The only thing missing from it is what to say to rude visitors, relatives and former friends who just don't catch on to polite behavior around someone who's ill.

The good news is that you can find some responses that medical and mental health professionals endorse in "EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge." The "Power to the Patient" preface guides you in what to say to clueless people.

Sometimes, apparently clueless people are actually out to hurt your feelings (there are too many reasons to count for the behavior on this blog). They imply that you're not doing enough, good enough, fill in the blank. Know that the insults are one-upping events. The speakers insinuate that they're better than you. Pages 4-7 offer STOPYACOLD responses to the nonsense. The License to Cry is worth a lifetime of emotional relief.

Share those passages, and others if you wish, with loved ones - even your medical team if the staff is agreeable.

Restore your self-respect. Know what to say to people hurting your feelings, and when. EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. Medical and mental health professionals recommend it.

Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity.
Face Your Future with Optimism.