I have a hard time with interpersonal relationships. Perhaps it’s because I am more of an introvert and never really feel comfortable making that first step or, come to think of it, even the second one. I don’t find myself very interesting and can’t imagine why anyone else would. I can arrange things, like meetings, but reaching out to get together with another person one on one is a challenge. People have told me that I am quiet, reserved, even stand-offish, which might be true since I’m often the person in the room standing off to the side observing rather than participating. Maybe that is why I like to write, there are no social rules to be observed and I am not putting myself at risk of rejection. If people don’t like my words, they don’t read them and I never know. It works pretty well for me.

We have become part of a Parkinson’s community that I care deeply about. I see the other members struggling with daily activities and want to offer support but I am not sure how. As I said above, if is not easy for me to make that phone call. I am getting more comfortable with text messages, but that is really not my generation’s preferred method of connecting. Perhaps it is better than not reaching out at all and gives the other person the option to reach back when it is convenient for them?

I know that making connections is as valuable for me in my role of CarePartner as it is for the folks I connect with. If I can be a shoulder they need when times are tough then, perhaps, we can also share the easy times together. It is a good feeling to know that I have been there for someone else and able to provide some assistance. It’s even a better feeling to know that I have a fellow traveler on this journey and, even more importantly, a friend.