In his Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas advises a reader on how to disclose their movement disorder to people they encounter in passing, like rideshare drivers and restaurant staff. While emphasizing the reader's right to privacy, Thomas suggests being direct and providing context to ease potential discomfort and anxiety.
In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who isn't sure how to disclose their physical disorder to new people they meet. I am a young adult with a movement disorder similar to Parkinson’s.
It causes uncontrollable, violent, jerky, muscle movements, called dyskinesias, in nearly every part of my body. These dyskinesias resemble the effects of illicit substances and can make people who don’t know me very uncomfortable. How would you suggest I address this with people I interact with in passing so they don’t feel unsafe around me?While you’re under no obligation to disclose any information about your health to anyone and should be treated with respect no matter how you present, I understand the desire to make casual interactions more seamless. And I imagine that not having to wonder what strangers are thinking about you would probably reduce some anxiety. This is a kind thing you’re doing for others. My concern is that you’re also prioritizing your own comfort. Being direct and giving context may be the best path for interactions with rideshare drivers, servers and the like. “I just want to let you know, I have a movement disorder and so I may move uncontrollably. Thanks for understanding.” If there’s something you’d like for them to do to make the interaction easier, this is a good time to tell them, even if it’s just giving you more time or space.Asking Eric: My partner says ‘I love you’ to our pets, but not to me©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our
Lifestyle MOVEMENT DISORDER DISCLOSURE SOCIAL INTERACTION COMMUNICATION ANXIETY
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Asking Eric: Partner spends all his time with his ex and their sonJoe Nguyen is a digital strategist for The Denver Post. Previously he was the online prep sports editor. Prior to that, he covered Adams County and Aurora in the YourHub section. He has previously covered Colorado’s Asian-American communities as editor for Asian Avenue magazine and AsiaXpress.com.
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