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Things not to say to someone with multiple sclerosis:

1. "At least it's not terminal." (Minimizes their daily struggles.)
2. "You should be grateful for the good days you have." (Invalidates the reality of their condition.)
3. "Maybe it's stress causing your symptoms." (Oversimplifies their medical condition.)
4. "You were fine yesterday, what changed?" (Ignores the unpredictable nature of MS.)
5. "Have you tried this diet I heard cures MS?" (Unsolicited advice can be frustrating.)
6. "It's just a bit of numbness, right?" (Undermines the severity of their symptoms.)
7. "You're taking too many sick days." (Lacks understanding of their health needs.)
8. "You don't need that mobility aid; you're strong enough without it." (Dismisses their tools for independence.)
9. "You're just seeking attention with your illness." (Accusatory and harmful.)
10. "You'd feel better if you stopped focusing on your MS." (Suggests their focus is the problem.)
11. "You need to fight harder against your MS." (Implies they aren't doing enough.)
12. "So when will you get better?" (Overlooks the chronic nature of MS.)
13. "Everyone gets tired, even me." (Equates normal tiredness with MS fatigue.)
14. "You must be used to it by now." (Assumes one can simply get accustomed to chronic illness.)
15. "You're letting MS define you." (Ignores their personal experience with the disease.)
16. "Can't you just push through the pain?" (Lacks empathy for their limits.)
17. "You're taking the easy way out by using disability benefits." (Judgmental and dismissive.)
18. "But you didn't have any symptoms before." (Fails to understand symptom fluctuation.)
19. "You should stop complaining and be more positive." (Invalidates their feelings and struggles.)
20. "Other people have it worse, you know." (Demeaning to their personal battle with MS.)

Things to say to someone living with MS:

1. "I can only imagine how tough it must be to deal with such uncertainty, and I admire your courage."
2. "I've noticed you've been managing a lot; is there a specific way I can support you right now?"
3. "If you ever feel overwhelmed and need a space to express your feelings without judgment, I'm here to listen."
4. "On the days when MS takes a toll, remember that your strength is not defined by the challenges you face."
5. "You handle your journey with such grace, and I'm here to help shoulder some of that burden whenever you need."
6. "I value our conversations, not just about MS, but about your hopes, dreams, and everything in between."
7. "I see how hard you work to maintain your health, and I want to recognize the incredible effort you put in every day."
8. "Your experiences have given you a unique perspective; if you're open to it, I'd love to learn more about your world."
9. "I understand your independence is important; let's work together to find ways that help you maintain it."
10. "Even on the days when you don't feel it, please know that you're not less of a person because of MS."
11. "When you talk about your struggles, it helps me to understand what life with MS is like. Thank you for trusting me."
12. "I'm not sure of the right thing to say, but I want you to know I'm here to support you in the ways that matter most to you."
13. "I'm constantly amazed by your resilience, and if you're willing, I'd love to share in some of the activities that bring you joy."
14. "Seeing the way you adapt to the challenges of MS inspires me to handle my own difficulties with more grace."
15. "Your comfort is my priority, so please don't hesitate to tell me what environment works best for you when we make plans."
16. "You've taught me so much about strength and determination, and I'm grateful for the depth it's added to our friendship."
17. "I recognize that every day with MS can be different, and I'm here to adapt to those changes with you."
18. "Your ability to advocate for yourself in the face of MS is something I deeply respect, and I'm here to support your voice."
19. "The compassion and patience you've shown yourself through your journey with MS is something we should all aspire to."
20. "Remember, I'm walking this path with you. Your battle is not a solitary one, and I'll be by your side offering whatever strength or assistance I can, whenever you need it."