Understanding

Somebody pointed out to me today, after reading Susie's article about migraines, that maybe that's why she tends to be quite gloomy and cutting and bossy and stuff. And I hadn't really thought about it that way, but they're probably right. I don't suppose you realise what it's like having chronic pain unless you have it yourself. I know I get quite grumpy when I don't feel well. Suppose if I didn't feel well most of the time, I would be dead grumpy, nasty and growling, like a fox with its tail caught in a door. You'd try giving it bits of ham to distract it from the problem but it would try to bite you, and scratch, and you'd be a bit scared to go near it. Though I know if I said that to Susie she'd say 'Well, it's very nice of you to be so sensitive, Marina, but you still haven't put the kettle on/finished filing those papers/been to the post office to send those parcels, so let's just focus on now, shall we?' - because she's become used to it, and hates being pitied, and would rather be Spartacus than a sappy wee thing. And I understand that, I think. Except that I'm still a bit scared when I offer her ham. Metaphysically.