*Please understand when I tell you I can't go on an outing or engagement, I so much wish I were able to do all the things I'd like to be able to do.

*You are experiencing a loss, the loss of the healthy me.  Tell me about your feelings of sadness and anger about this loss, but don't be angry at me.  I didn't choose to have fibromyalgia. It is not my fault and I grieve too.

*Let's do things together on days when I feel good, or earlier in the day when I have the most energy.  Can we go out to brunch, rather than dinner?  Can we celebrate at home?

*When we go to the zoo, please understand I need frequent rest breaks. We can have fun and enjoy our times together when you adapt and enjoy the zoo by being a good sport and going ahead without me.

*When I'm having a flare-up, please ask me how you can help.  Offer me a back rub.  Remind me that even though the pain is bad now, it won't last forever.

*Believe me when I say I have pain.  So much of the time, I suffer in silence!  Tell me you believe me.

*Support me in all I must do to take care of myself- rest, sleep, relaxation, medication, medical care, support and exercise.

*Keep telling me you care about me, affirm my courage and my efforts to get better.

*Recognize I feel irritable when I am fatigued and in pain.  I don't mean to hurt you with it.

*Hug me, give me warm touches and warm, loving words of acceptance.

*Don't tell me to think positive, to think about other things or to get out more, as I'm doing the best I can to live positively with the limited energies I am given.

*I appreciate all you do to help support me, even when I'm not able to tell you so.