It can be hard for people to know what to say to someone with arthritis. Even the most kind, empathetic, caring, and wonderful people sometimes struggle to find the right words. I think, in most cases, the struggle comes from a good place within people -- they want to understand and they want to say something appropriate. But, that desire to say something can backfire.
People can say the wrong thing. What they say can offend, seem insensitive, or be unhelpful, even if that was not the intent. I've put together a list of things not to say to someone with arthritis. These things are not particularly comforting to someone with arthritis. See if you agree with the things on my list. Feel free to add more below in Comments. Here are the 10 Things Not to Say to Someone With Arthritis.
Also read more from my colleagues at About.com in What Not to Say About Health Issues.
Related Articles:
- Responding to "How Are You?"
- 12 Tips to Help Family and Friends Understand Arthritis
- Readers Respond: What Do You Wish People Would Understand About Arthritis?
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