Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Hi all,

So I haven't really done a good job of explaining the fact that I have IBS, except to some close friends and my family. Most of my friends know that I have "stomach issues" and that I can't eat dairy. But I haven't figured out a good but not overly detailed way of explaining what IBS is and how it affects me. Does anyone have any thoughts? Even a few short quotes of what you have said to people you want to know more about what IBS means in a simple, concrete way? I especially need to start being open about this, because I am starting to date a new guy, and he's really nice and seems like he would be supportive and understanding if I told him, but I'm scared to scare him off and want to be as tactful as possible. I am not usually an unarticulate person (I'm a teacher and explaining things verbally is a huge part of the job) but with IBS I get anxious that most people will think I'm weird or gross

. Any advice or suggestions would really really (did I mention really? :P) be appreciated! Thanks!!

Julie
IBS-D, GERD, lactose intolerant

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"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."

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