Tough Stuff

Telling my friends I have cystic fibrosis

Check these out, too...

I have a prob. I have cystic fibrosis, a disease affecting your lungs and digestive system. I haven't told some of my friends yet.

My BFF knows, of course, but I'm scared to tell two of my friends. What if they think less of me? Can you help me figure out how to tell them?

Hey girl,

I’m so sorry to hear all this. Cystic fibrosis is a serious disease, and I know it must be hard for you to deal with. And on top of all that it’s never easy telling anyone your secrets...even they're your closest buds.

Your pals love you for who you are

You gotta remember that your chicas are friends with you for who you are on the inside. Your personality is what brought you together, isn’t it? Like clothes, accessories, or your looks, your health isn’t something that shapes you. If these two other girls are your true friends, this shouldn't change how they treat you or how they feel about you.

How to tell them

As for actually telling your pals about the disease, you want to make them feel as comfortable as possible about it. It may be hard for you to tell your pals, but it's gonna be hard for them to take this all in. So make sure that you tell them at the right time. Call them over for girls’ night where you can sit down and tell them you story. Be prepared—they might have a lot of questions. You could also try writing it out in a letter or message. Ask your mom, dad or your BFF to help you find the right words.

What to say

Also, it’s really important that you give them time to let the info sink in. It’ll be hard for them to realize that their friend has a disease. Let them know how you're dealing with it and if there's anything they can do to help. If you keep it together, they will to. I know this will be really hard for you to do, once you get it off your chest you'll feel soo much better. I know this is a lot to handle so stay strong. Your friends will stick by you and everyone on GL is always here if you wanna talk it out.

-Jean L.

GOT YOUR OWN TOUGH STUFF SITCH? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/10/2009 7:00:00 AM 47 COMMENTS

< PREVIOUS NEXT >

POST IT ON YOUR

E-MAIL

i understand how that must be hard. Some people think if they tell people will treat them different. I have a brother with a disease and a friend. They are both amazing people. If your friends start treating you all weird just say im a normal person and laugh. The chances are they will laugh too.

halzabalza on 3/10/2010 9:00:42 PM

heyy girlie! im really sorry u have CF! i did a science project on it and it seems horrible! Again im sorry! I hope u have a great life! i'll pray for u!

<3 Labluver1996

Labluver1996 on 1/18/2010 1:55:57 PM

Mod Mod Mod
How do I tell my friends I have anger problems?

littlemissbunneh on 12/10/2009 6:27:30 PM

That's sad. I'm sorry.

They'll actually take care of you.

WaffleAddict on 12/9/2009 10:05:38 PM

MOD:
okay, I think this guy likes me and my friends say he does too.
Why he could possibly like me:
he texts me/talks to me EVERY DAY
he usually texts me/talks to me first
he laughs at my jokes
he makes an effort to talk to me, even when he is talking to other people
he tries to steal my stuff like pens, planner, etc.
we have like 5 isj (inside jokes)--he brings them up a lot (:
he flirts
he tells me about his interests, and family
i can only think of one reason he doesen't like me: he talks to some other girls. But, I feel like he treats me diff.
okay, so whatchya think?

Hey girl! I think that this guy likes you so if you like him you should try to flirt with him and show him that you care about him. You could try to hang out with him some time and see how it goes form there.

Eryn G.

bobbert1230 on 12/8/2009 4:57:12 PM

Mod Mod Mod
I have this friend that is really nice to me and has helped me a lot. But she also has some bad things aboyt her. She brags and shows off a lot. She also pretends that she is rich when she really isn't. Nobody really likes her anymore. But we have been friends for such a long time. And I really still want to be friends. What should I do?

Hey girl! You should tell her how you feel.

Eryn G.

Via C on 12/6/2009 7:04:08 PM

My best friend has cf....i know how rough it is for her...i hope you get better!!!! <3

lucky252 on 12/5/2009 11:57:32 PM

That's so sad!!

Smileygirl86 on 12/5/2009 6:03:12 PM

Hey, I have cystic fibrosis too!! I have never met anybody else that has it though. I hate how the doctors want us to avoid eachother! Don't worry about telling your friends. All of my friends know but they don't care at all. They accept it no problem, in fact, most of them think it's kinda cool. Do you have to do breathing treatments? Ugh, I hate them! But they keep me healthy so I guess it's worth it When I am going to tell a friend for the first time, I usually invite them over for a sleepover and then I tell them that before we watch movies I have to do my breathing treatment. Then I explain what it is and that I have cystic fibrosis and really all they do is ask a few questions (And hug me while I do the vest, hahahaah!!) and then it's like they've always known. Don't be afraid to tell them And hey, you should email me, It would be very nice to finally get to know someone else with cystic fibrosis. I'm jessica fluteloop40@live.com

Fluteloop41 on 11/29/2009 9:16:20 PM

Heyy, this is definetly one way of finding out who ur true friends are. To me a true friend would support u and stuff like that. A friend shouldnt think less of u if u have some kind of a disease but if they do, u know they r not true friends.
luv ya
basketball luver =->

basketball luver on 11/25/2009 2:40:18 PM

MOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, so Im super active, (dance, tennis, swim, running) and I still have love-handels!!! I've been called fat before, and it dosen't make me feel good.... And I have a flat stomach!!! Help!!

Hey babe, it's great that you're so active! Don't put so much pressure on yourself, though. As long as you're getting enough exercise (and it sounds like you are), the only other thing you can do is to make sure you're eating a healthy diet filled with lean meats, whole grains and tons of fruits and veggies. Talk to a doc if you want a specific plan.

katelin s.

gabbymak11 on 11/24/2009 11:02:41 PM

girl i feel so bad for you right now but caitlin is right, you should just to talk to them about it.

emygirl11 on 11/23/2009 11:25:37 AM

just tell them, nicely ''I have cystic fibrosis and I still want to be friends with you, I'm just like any other person I have feelings, parents, grandparents, and I need love, friends, and respect''.

sixteengirl93 on 11/19/2009 5:09:53 PM

if they are truly your friends they shouldn't think less of you just because you have a disease i mean if i had any friends with a disease i would think more of them!!!

blueberry1357 on 11/14/2009 9:06:30 PM

MOD,
I have a problem similar to this girls. I was recently diagnosed with ALL- a type of cancer. I already told a couple of my besties, and they know I'll be starting chemo on Monday. The only thing is- I don't want them there. They've made up their minds that they'll be there to support me, but my mom said chemo will make me want to go die in a hole- I don't want my girls seeing me like that! What should I do?

Babe they want to be there for you and support you. During chemo it's important to have support from your friends. They really care about you, and they don't care what you look like or how you act, as long as you're okay in the end. Don't worry about looking or acting a certain way, they will understand that you're going through alot and are under a lot of stress.

Megan R.

202119 on 11/14/2009 12:47:58 PM

im so sorry bout that but u rilly dont need to worry.i think if u rilly trust ur frends u shud tell them and no true friend would judge u bcoz u hv a disease

rutz on 11/13/2009 8:33:09 AM

If they are truly your friends then they shouldn't judge you based on a disease you have. that wouldn't be fair if they did. I hope that you can find a way to tell them, I hope the best for you.

Kristin95 on 11/12/2009 10:12:52 PM

Oh, friends wouldn't judge you based on that!!! Well, most wouldn't!

monkeybananas on 11/12/2009 9:42:31 PM

mod mod !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
im dating this AWESOME guy and we r getting close and my bff says i should tell him y im going 2 the nurse after gym well i have ASTHMA and i dont want 2 tell him yet is that like ok ? that im keepin that from him ? my bff thinks not i need your opinion!

Hey girl, I don't see why you shouldn't tell him. I don't think he's going to judge you for having asthma. It's totes okay to let a guy know about that. Secrets are not good things in relationships, trust me.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

bridoll on 11/12/2009 6:25:24 PM

MOD, every time a guy asks me out everyone always says he says he's desprate so do it. And that makes me feel really bad because when they say say that it makes me feel like they don't really like me and they just want to go out with me to have a gf. I hate it so much. And even when it's someone I like should I ever say yes or no? What do I do???

Hey girl, you shouldn't listen to what other people say. All that matters is the guy likes you. You should say yes and see where it goes! Take your guy's feelings from the guy himself, not from what other people say about him.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

500935 on 11/12/2009 6:22:10 PM

1. Say ur name 10x
2. Say ur mom's name 5x
3. Say ur crush's name 3x
4. Paste this on 4 other articles, if you do your crush will kiss u the nearest friday

loveforyou09 on 11/12/2009 4:43:58 PM

Join *clubmusichearts*!!!! It's for all our musical girlies out there!!! and cause.........

It's just that awesome.

Gabster

*clubmusichearts* on 11/11/2009 7:53:43 PM

Want to eat healthy but not ready to go full vegetarian?
Solution: Go semi-veg! This means that you will not eat cow and pig but still eat chicken and turkey (basically cutting out red meat). Or, you can give up all of those and just eat seafood.

Solution2: Moderation! Instead of every meal, eat meat just once a day or maybe once every couple days.

Solution3: Lower quantities! The average American eats 6 servings of meat a day (2 servings per meal) when all they need is 3 a day. How about you eat meat every meal but only half a serving each meal?

glamgirlteen on 11/11/2009 5:04:26 PM

If they would think less of you than they are not real friends! It's not your choice to have the disease or not, there's nothing you can do about it, so they should accept it! hope this helps <3

peacelovecandy on 11/11/2009 4:35:52 PM

Don't you have to use a nebulizer if you have cystic fibrosis? I have to use one too but I have asthma. I have mild asthma and it was easy for my friends to find out cause I dropped hints when i carried around and inhaler.

NJessicaN on 11/11/2009 11:23:15 AM

HEY GIRLIES!!!

On GL, there's a super fun and stylin club out there call CLUB BEAUTY! We have fun articles on the lastest trends, beauty tips, entertainment, how to catch that cutie's eye, music updates, and so much more! Need help? We have tons of MODS that work on your questions. We even have tons of JOBS available!

Wanna be a member? All you have to do is want to be one and post it on either my personal account JuliaWu or Club Beauty. Your name will be added to the Member list and you'll be included in the latest Thanks~

~The Girls From Club Beauty~
*personal account JuliaWu*

Club Beauty on 11/10/2009 11:59:33 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD
OK im really tired of guys not asking me to dance! Ive been to a few parties this year and everry time nobody asked me. Whats the secret to getting people to ask me to dance? And how do i get my crush to dance with me? Wothout asking of course! And if anyone out there has any tips, please comment on my profile!!!!! Thanks!

Hey babe ,maybe if they see you out there dancing already and having a good time then they'd ask you to dance. Next time your at a dance with your friends, just have a great time with them and who knows maybe a guy will notice and want to join in on the fun?!

katelin s.

sunnyd1 on 11/10/2009 10:50:13 PM

MOD !
Hey !
There's this guy in my class that's really into me, he talks to me all the time on the computer, but it's really akward in school. He has asked me out twice already , but i don't think i really really like him yet. I don't want to say no , because everyone wants me to go out with him , and i don't want to hurt him . I don't want to say yes because i don't want a realationship , this young . What should i do? thanks

Hey babe, I would just keep being his friend and let him know that you're not really looking for a relationship right now. That way you can still keep in touch with him and if you decide you're ready to date he's still there or you can just always remain friends, which is perfectly ok, too.

katelin s.

facebooker1240 on 11/10/2009 10:11:00 PM

If they are your real friends, they will support you and be there for you all the way. If you think they would make fun of you or tell someone else, you don't have to tell them!

Check out my profile; I give the best advice!

God Bless!

Abriella123 on 11/10/2009 9:22:34 PM

first of all i wouldnt call it a "problem". yes, u might be different from other people but its a sad tragedy and theres nothing really bad/wrong with u! dont take it the wrong way! and ur friends or anyone shouldnt think less of u because of the disease! that would be just plain cruel! i hope i didnt offend anyone! hopefully u'll know wat i mean. i cant really explain things good...

check out my profile!!!

pearlnagem on 11/10/2009 9:19:26 PM

Thats sad, that desiase is bad.. I'm really sorry, if ya wanna talk, just comment on my profile!!!!!!!!!!!!! PEACE CHICA!!!!!!

Purpleboo on 11/10/2009 9:11:37 PM

MOD!!! I am having guy trouble. This guy I like asked me if I like someone I liked last year.(Sorry if it sounds confusing)I can't tell if he was asking for the other guy or to see if I still like my last year's crush. What do you think?

Hey girl! Hmm..you'll have to ask him! Try talking to him more and getting to the bottom of the sitch!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

shoes1234 on 11/10/2009 8:18:20 PM

I'm sorry that you have this disease. That must be SO tough. But I can assure you that your friends won't think any less of you because you have it! Letting them know will probably make your friendship stronger.

ShopperSoccerGurl on 11/10/2009 7:24:33 PM

hey i did a report on that in third grade. two years later i became frineds with someone who has thesame thing.

Francab on 11/10/2009 7:21:02 PM

Oh NO! I am sorry! Hope it works out!!

decemburr96 on 11/10/2009 6:17:01 PM

Aww, that's really sad, a girl in my town died this past year in March from it. She was only 8 and soooo cute, it was soooooooooooooooo sad.

lilgirlyme on 11/10/2009 6:03:50 PM

that's really sad...but they should love you for who you are, great advice. and they will definitely not think less of you if they are true friends

hit.the.surfs. on 11/10/2009 5:50:32 PM

MOD MOD MOD!!! Okay, I really like my crush. But the other day he told me to leave him alone. Well he knows that I like him, because I told him. But one of my "friends" told him I stalked him, even thought thats not true, and thats why he wants me to leave him alone. I felt like I could talk to him more than other people about some things, and I miss it. How can I explain this whole thing to him?

Hey girl! You can try sitting him down and discussing it between you two. Try telling him what happened and that you didn't mean for it to come out the way it did! If nothing else, let the sitch blow over a little and see what happens in the next few weeks!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

Bookworm :) on 11/10/2009 5:42:57 PM

One of my friends has terminal kidney disease, and she told me... Your friends will probably feel sympathic but they shouldn't think any differently of you!

Lexy5 on 11/10/2009 5:32:52 PM

i'm so sorry 4 u! that must be really hard.

PicturePerfect on 11/10/2009 5:27:46 PM

i am so sorry

wednesday1408 on 11/10/2009 4:20:21 PM

awww im so sorry. tht must be hard

Maddyrox92 on 11/10/2009 4:01:39 PM

MOD
I have to do a rough draft for a letter for Social Studies. It's about mountain top removal and everyone in our class is doing a letter. They will eventually be sent out to whoever we addressed. The problem is, I'm stuck. I wrote down what I think of it but haven't got anything else to write! Would it be a good idea to list why I think it is bad like; "it has destroyed over 1000miles of streams"? Or something else? Thank you!
~lasagna~

Hey girl! That would be good, but it might be better if you are more positive. You could say that and then talk about global warming.

Eryn G.

lasagna on 11/10/2009 3:30:18 PM

I agree with both Sportygal and Chick chick. You might feel as though you should not tell a loud mouth, but if they really are your friends (btw, not a very good way of putting it I mean "if they WERE your friends"? That sounds like really pressuring!) they wouldn't tell anyone against your will.
********************************************************
Are you into fantasy books? Couldn't get enough Twilight, Harry Potter, witches, wizards or knights in shining armor? Well heres a club for you! Join the Fantasy Book Club Today!
**********************************************************************

Just SEARCH Fantasy Book Club!

************************************************************

lasagna on 11/10/2009 3:27:26 PM

●♥
AWWW my friend olivia has that!! its so sad!!
CHECK MY PROFILE SOMTIME! ;) Eryn G.

jeansqueen on 11/10/2009 1:28:17 PM

hmm I think I'm gonna have to disagree with SportyGal. If they are truly your friend then they will not tell. Even if they are bad at keeping secrets.

Chic chick on 11/10/2009 10:45:05 AM

Aww thats so sad, im rlly sorry about ur problem but u should decide if it'll be safe to like is one of them known as having a big mouth? no doubt she'll tell others, then EVERYONE will know. good luck!!

Check out my profile girls, and please leave a comment, thanks!

SportyGal on 11/10/2009 8:21:20 AM

POST A COMMENT

You must be signed in to post a comment. SIGN IN or REGISTER

What is the most important accessory to your spring break outfit?

Sunglasses...so great for sittin' in the sun.
Flip-flops...lookin' hot on any boardwalk.
Bright bracelets...chic when temps go up.
Funky hat...added SPF AND super-cute.

Enter today to score ballet flats from Zigi NY.

CLICK HERE to win a whole new shoe wardrobe from Blowfish.

Download March's "Shoes for You Giveaway" Calendar now.

Ever get the feeling your life
could be a little bit better?

Check out the Your Life, But… series and discover what it would be like to star in a novel. Plus, learn things about yourself you never would have known!

Check out the book right here: randomhouse.com/teens

Want a sneak peek at a quiz from the new book Your Life, But Better? Take the Your Life, But Better quiz right now!

LOGIN OR SIGNUP

Tough Stuff

Telling my friends I have cystic fibrosis

47 READER COMMENTS

POST A COMMENT