I write this blog anonymously to avoid mistreatment at the hands of potential employers and clients, or anyone really.  But the truth of the matter is, I live my life very much in public.  The majority of the people who know me, know I have this disease.  The majority of the people I interact with regularly know.

They know because I told them.  And I often worry that when I speak the words, “I have RA,” I’m condemning myself in their own mind.  That I’m altering their opinion of me.  That’s, of course, if the person or people even understands the disease.  Others, just think it’s a play for sympathy, which also alters their opinion of me.

From that perspective, it’s easier to keep secrets.  Guard your public image.

Internally, I find it feels better for the people in your life to know your whole truth.  And if you’re open about it, people can support you when you need it.  Who knows? Maybe you’ll bond with someone over your Chronic status.  I did.

But whether you decide to go public or keep it locked down, it’s your decision.  You can keep you disease between you and your doctor, or you and the world.  Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

The last 24 hours have been an interesting reminder of how grateful I am to have family, especially the ones I’ve picked up along the way.

Between the offers to spend Thanksgiving with various sections of N’s (my ex) extended family and my roommates, I’m feeling the surrogate family love.

My relationship with my actual family can feel strained–like when my brother calls me at 7am to tell me he thinks my dad’s cheating on my mother, again.  He’s snooped through my father’s iPod touch and found incriminating emails.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful I have my brother.  And I’m grateful for various facets of my relationships with my family.  But I am so grateful to have the stability and optimistic normalcy of all the family-like connections I’ve formed.