Telling Your Significant Other

During our IBD talk at Camp Oasis, the teenage girls were asked to talk about how and when they would tell their significant other about their disease. I thought this was a really interesting topic as some people are super open, and others don't tell many people. This can be a delicate subject, and it's up to you when you tell him/her about your IBD.

If your SO didn't know before you started dating, how do you start up the conversation about IBD? "I'm really enjoying this salad. By the way, it may give me uncontrollable diarrhea." Not exactly an easy topic to broach.

The perfect time to break the news is different for each relationship. If you start out strong, it may be easier to get it out in the open right away (probably not during a meal). Honestly, if your SO can't handle the fact that you have a digestive disease and thinks it's gross, he/she is so not worth your time. Telling your SO early on means that you can slowly bring up other topics about it - food, bathroom issues, doctor appointments, etc.

However, if you don't feel comfortable telling your SO right away about your IBD, that's fine too. It may be better to tell them before things get too serious - some people are jerks and it's easier to get hurt if you're deep into the relationship. As well, it may be difficult to explain why you have to run to the bathroom several times or have to cancel on several dates. Complete honesty is best to keep relationships healthy.

I've found it to be so much easier when my guy knows about my Crohn's. They understand why I can't eat certain foods and know that I'm not being a party pooper when I say I don't feel like going out. Plus, many people will be truly curious about the disease and want to know more. As great as Crohnies are, sometimes it's nice to talk to someone without IBD just to get out your frustrations.

Telling someone that you have IBD can be a truly terrifying ordeal, but so rewarding as well. Most people will be on your side and so eager to help you fight your battles. Don't be too scared - they care more than you think.