56 msfocusmagazine.org Life with MS As human beings, relationships of all kinds are essential to us. These relationships come in many forms and serve many different purposes that are important for well-being. Cultivating relationships that meet your needs can help you to thrive, especially when you face challenges from MS. Building strong relationships will help you knowwho you can rely on when you need extra care or support. How close you feel to another person depends on the degree to which you trust them. Try picturing your relationships as a series of circles moving outward, with you at the center. The first circle represents your personal relationships with family and friends. These people are closest to you and are an integral part of your life. Cultivating these relationships can make a difference in your daily life, providing you with the help you need in managing your day-to-day chal- lenges, giving a boost to your mental and emotional health, and improving your overall quality of life. Maintaining these relationships isn’t always easy when MS is in the mix; the key is effort and open communication. Patience may also be required from time to time, especially with those closest to you. They may not always understand the effects MS has on your life. But remember it’s a two-way street. In a close relationship, what affects you affects the other person also. Take the time to listen, and also to nurture the aspects of your relationship that exist apart from MS. Your team of doctors, caregivers, and other medical professionals are in the next circle. These people have intimate knowledge ofyourhealth needs andyou trust them to help you stay well. Cultivating these relationships will help you get the best care possible. Your goal should be to help them fully understand the state of your health and your needs as theirpatient.Maintainingopencommunication and being straightforwardwithyourhealthcare team are the best ways to accomplish this. Being kind and appreciative of their efforts on your behalf will help too. The next circle is your other friends and acquaintances, the people you turn to for support, to celebrate your triumphs, or just to spend some social time – just being you. Do you have someone you can talk to you about how you are feeling? Do you have a support network that you can reach out to in a time of need or just to take your mind off things? Cultivating Your Circle of Trust By Kathryn Bradbury