Something as natural as menopause can feel pretty darn disabling. But where the real disability comes into play is what this event in a woman’s life impacts — not just her or the man she’s in a committed relationship with, but their relationship, their families, friends, and workmates. Looked at that way, there’s not one justifiable reason for ignorance. about menopause.
My car’s license plate reads “HOTFLAS.” I take it for granted, until someone rolls down his window to talk to me at a stop sign.
“Hey, I like your license plate,” he says. “You must be about 50. Wow, my wife is going through that. It’s really tough. It’s been a real challenge.”
Only a few days later, I was meeting with a colleague from a nonprofit for whom I volunteer. “Remind me what you do,” he said. It took about half a sentence from me (“I’m a doctor specializing in menopause care…”) to strike a nerve with him. “It’s like a stranger is living in my house,” he said, of his wife’s journey through menopause.
It’s Menopause Awareness Month. These men—among so many others who regularly cross my path—are aware of menopause. Now. I think it’s safe to say that the experience has taken them—and their wives—somewhat by…
View original post 282 more words
Categories: Effect of invisible (hidden) disability on relationship
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
ilikebeingsickanddisabled 