People have described me as flaky, high maintenance, difficult, hysterical, confusing, compulsive, and dishonest.
That last one, dishonest, is a common reaction to people with DID.
People tend to go with what makes the most sense based on what they know.
Most people know nothing about the mind, much less states of minds.
The other wordson that list are alternate descriptions of the symptoms of DID.
Gaps in memory look flaky, but they’re more than forgetting. These gaps
are the same as not knowing.
High maintenance means I require more medical supports and more patience from friends and family.
Panic attacks look like hysteria.
Personality switches are confusing because my alternates have different interests.
However, the words people use aren’t all negative.
People also describe me as, loving, intelligent, empathetic, compassionate, loyal, strong, and honest.
That last, honest, means I say what I think is true based on what I know or think I know.
My ultimate goal in life is to be a good person; it’s an ongoing project and a choice I have to make every day.
What are the words people use to describe you?
Rob Goldstein 2019
This is a companion to a previous post; ‘A Lifetime’
For better or for worse, I am funny…a little funny looking, very quick-witted and always desiring to lighten the load with a laugh.
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I can’t think of anyone better to have in my life. 🙂
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Love that meme on being believed. True story.
Also, I wish more people had the goal of being a good person. For the record, you’re already on my list of good people.
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Thanks Joey. Your comment made my day.
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You are the bravest blogger I know, Rob. It isn’t easy exposing the struggles but you do it in a way that can help others. What do people say about me? Mostly they say I am a kind good person. I will embrace that.
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You do me a huge honor with your comment, Jan. I can only do this because I have followers who are willing to accept me and embrace my concerns. I agree with what most people say about you, Jan. Thank you again for your comment.
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Dear Rob, I so admire your encouraging and enlightening articles. You are a brilliantly creative and forthcoming person, those are hard to find these days. xo
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Thank you. Your comment makes my day.
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I mean every word!
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Reblogged this on lampmagician and commented:
How True 🙏
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Thank you for the reblog.
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I’m in certain the one who must thank dear Rob. Your works are all highly recommended and this one especially hit me in my heart because, I have also the same feeling and experiences 🙏🙏👍
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Thank you so much for your comment, my friend. 🙂
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I appreciate learning more about this through these posts, Rob. You are kind and helpful to share this information. We are lucky to know you.
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Dan, I moved by your comment. If I said I always felt strong in myself, I’d be a liar. I spend most of my time riddled with doubt about almost everything. But I never doubt the value of using my experience to inform and help other people. I believe in the power of the wounded healer, which is at the heart of my faith as a Christian.
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I always send the wrong vibes an folk think I am strong and stable…far from it!!!
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Understood, Paula.
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Look at this wonderful discussion. Rob, all those good things are true of you — of all of you.
If I honestly felt, in the depths of my heart, that people said good things about me, perhaps I wouldn’t be so, agoraphobic and whatever else I am.
Hugs.
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Hi Teagan. Accepting that all people have assets and liabilities are the only way to accept the self. Understanding which of my liabilities are functions of the illness is helpful because it can help me improve. Moving on from that, you have some of the most loyal followers on WordPress. Your readers love you. And I have nothing but good things to say about you. Our collaborations introduced me to a community of writers I have grown to admire and respect, writers from whom I can learn.
I think you’re the bee’s pajamas.
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Thanks my friend. Costume blog party at my place tomorrow. Wear your favorite Roaring Twenties, Victorian, and/or steampunk costume and bring your links. Hugs.
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Ok. I’ll check it out. I woke up sick this morning but I’m starting to feel better. It almost feels like food poisoning but not as intense.
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Ugh! I’m sorry to hear that. My allergy to eggs acts a lot like food poisoning… I hope you haven’t become allergic to anything. Whatever the cause, take good care of you. Rest and liquids. 🙂 And hugs!
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I’m mostly just tired because it disrupted my sleep. I’m probably going to rest after I check out the party. 🙂
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“People also describe me as, loving, intelligent, empathetic, compassionate, loyal, strong, and honest.” Robert, that is what stands out the most for YOU when I read your blog posts, and know you are a giving supporter of your blog friends. I think I’m described about the same. I’ve lived a long time (80 years) and focus more on others! Have a happy week. 📚 Christine
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Thank you Christine. I would describe you as loyal and focused on others. The best way to banish evil is to empower victims to speak out, and to inspire the strong to work for good.
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Thank you, Robert! 📚🎶Christine
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🙂
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Hi Rob,
I don’t begin to understand DID not alone have to live with it. But since I have followed you, I have learned much and witnessed compassion toward everyone (except – we know who). Thank you for continuing your campaign of educating us on your world. HUGS
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Thank you Chuck. It is a campaign. When I write about my experience of DID I’m writing for the kid who right now lives in fear for his life and is on the brink of wiring his brain for a lifetime of confusion and pain. I’m keenly aware of this as a moment when all adults who can do so, must stand up and speak out for the kids abused by the U.S. president’s draconian racial policies. The greatest achievement in the world is giving a kid a chance to thrive. This is my way of working to do that.
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The mind isn’t understood yet, its vast like the ocean. Perhaps people are only negative because they don’t understand. I finf the more positive descriptions more accurate.
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Thank you Denise. I think both lists of words are accurate. I think all of us have our assets and liabilities.
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I agree
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🙂
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With that. We do have both sides although I try to focus on the more positive
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Absolutely, Denise. I think people confuse ‘focusing on the negative with ‘accepting the negative, but acceptance is crucial to successfully coping with a chronic condition. Thanks for leaving a comment.
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Thank you for educating us about DID, Robert. It is more easy to understand, when we get more knowledge. Just like with anything else.
I haven’t noticed all, what people are saying about me, but I try to be a good person, open-minded and empathic. Like you said, it is a choice every day.
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I think you succeed Irene. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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Thank you, Robert.
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I am true to my word…I am honest to a fault…I have impossibly high standards…I have an unreasonable sense of injustice…my morality is Puritan…I am unwavering and steadfast in my beliefs…and…I’m a bitch.
You…are beautiful.
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This is such a great answer.
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Good question…not sure I want to know 🙂
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An honest answer!
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🙂
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I think the more you describe yourself and your condition the more we can understand DID. This is a brave undertaking and I have to thank you for teaching us about DID. Bless you, Rob.
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I’m super happy to have met you in this cyber-zone, Robert. I forgot to mention that I watched the film you linked about DID and found it really helpful.
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You seem to be all the positive things that people say about you. It must be so hard living with DID. I wish you prayful blessings and peace.
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My husband says I am erratic, Rob. Most work colleagues say they don’t think like me; they mean I understand quicker and leave them behind.
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I can see that Robbie. I’m familiar with the ‘erratic’ label and I can see how others would focus on the quickness of your mind.
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Dear, dear Rob,
I would describe you are a warm, compassionate, extremely talented, creative soul who makes the experience of blogging so much more worthwhile with his presence.
I’m blessed to know you and please don’t take any of these stereotypes personally.
People describe me as kind, radiant, optimistic and genuine. Ahem! 🙂
Have a great week ahead.
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Ohh..bless you. To be continually misunderstood is so painful.
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It is Paula. I wish it could be different, and I’m not always sure people don’t understand. I think there’s a difference between not understanding and not wanting to understand.
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Me, probably not printable 🤐 . Seriously all credit to you life cannot be easy with DID to cope with 💜
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Unprintable? That’s kind of an accomplishment. It’s not easy. It interferes with everything, but that’s what makes it a disability.
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I can understand, but I feel you handle yourself well💜💜
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Thank you, Willow. I strive to do that. 🙂
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😀
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