Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: IBS and my social life

I totally hear you on this one Mark! It's really hard being a younger, single person with this condition. I, too, am afraid to go on dates because of the possibility of an attack. Alternative dates are a really good idea -- movies, coffee shops, I've even gone bowling once, lol. What I've found, is that honestly, if the person you are going on dates with is worthwhile for you to spend your time with, and with the possible opportunity to develop a relationship with, then they won't get all bent out of shape if you have to ask about certain things when you are eating out. Your health is important, and if you explain to the other person that you have some "insensitivies" to certain foods, most likely if they are a decent, caring individiual then they won't get upset or think you are weird. I'm not saying that you should explain IBS to someone you just met in graphic detail, but just giving them a heads up helps both you to ensure that you don't get anxious, and it lets them know that you can communicate well. In regards to the intimacy thing, that's a bridge that I'm still nervous about trying to cross myself...haven't found any tricks yet

Hopefully dating will get easier when I am more stable. So good luck!

Julie
IBS-D, GERD, lactose intolerant

--------------------
"We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator