How IBS makes you look

Do you ever wonder how IBS makes you look? I knw, you do your best to put on that mask and smile – and cover up your IBS. But this is how other people might actually perceive you – and why.

Flaky and uncommitted in relationships

It’s REALLY HARD to be consistent when you never know what your body will do next.

You say you’ll do something – and often cancel at the last minute. Because of IBS.

Or maybe you avoid saying yes to doing anything, because you’re not sure how you’ll feel.

Or you go somewhere – and have to dash off in the middle!

As a result people may think you’re not interested in them. When you actually are.

They don’t understand that it’s not them. It’s IBS.

Not on the ball at work

At work this takes on other dimensions. If you are wondering why you get passed up for promotions, even thought you do your job really well, this might be why.

Your mind is always elsewhere.

On your IBS to be precise. Dealing with the symptoms or the promise of your next flare-up.

You walk that tightrope between being that very capable you – and IBS. And you aren’t fully concentrated on what you’re doing.

You can’t be.

That’s how you can miss information, feel a little overwhelmed (it’s a lot to have to deal with!) or have to rush off quickly.

And people can get the impression that you’re just not really invested in your work. If only they knew!

IBS makes you look tired all the time

Dealing with IBS symptoms is draining.

Add that to the poor quality nights that many IBS sufferers experience, with IBS you look tired.

Even with the best will in the world, it’s easy to feel tense and overburdened.

IBS chaos can take it’s toll, and dim your spark.

And it’s hard to cover it up.

A fussy eater!

While you may be slaloming around food intolerance, wary about what might set of your next IBS flare at the wrong time (Is there ever a right time?) – other people may see you as a fussy eater.

They don’t understand why you make such a big deal around food.

“Is it just to get attention?” they wonder.

They find your food thing exasperating. Why can’t you just be like everyone else?

You know why. But they just don’t get it.

You’re a good listener

You’re such a good listener – but you probably don’t share that much.

Maybe you are a really interesting person with lots to share. But IBS takes the spark out of your flame.

You may have trust issues (many of us do!), and have learned to not speak up.

Or while others are having fun-packed weekends, you may just need some rest. As a result you tend not to have much to talk about. IBS takes up a lot of your free time.

People also like to chat about their dreams, booking their next exciting long weekend and holiday.

And if you are anything like I was, IBS kept my dream holiday and having fun on the back burner. I just focused on getting through the day as best I could.

How IBS makes you look

Let’s face it, no-one with IBS (no-one I know anyway) feels very attractive. And we can lose our self-confidence as a result.

I don’t know, maybe it’s the e l a s t i c waistbands, the dark colours or “practical” underwear we tend to have to cover all IBS emergencies.

Or the oversize cuts that flow over the bloat…

We just don’t feel or look our true fun-loving selves. And it shows.