When you love someone, you can accept him regardless of the imperfections. You do not blame or judge them for it, unlike other people. At times, you may even find their flaws adorable and unique.
However, what may happen if the imperfection that the person you are in a relationship with carries is an eating disorder?
No one overeats because they are bad. In fact, the amount you struggle with your food is in all likelihood directly related to the level of your personal standards. — F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W.
- The Ill One May Be Unwilling To Attend Social Functions
Eating disorders come in a wide array of forms. While some tend to overeat, others merely have to swallow a bite or two before they feel the need to toss the food back up and out of their system.
Considering your partner is dealing with either condition, the fear that the illness will be put on display may discourage them from going to social gatherings. That is still okay if you are randomly dating, but it may ignite a fight between you two at some point since it implies that the eating disorder remains uncontrollable.
- It Might Cause Miscommunication
One way a healthy person can react after realizing that you have an eating disorder is by making sure that they will not bother you during your recovery process. There are fewer questions about what you are going through, and the individual may act as if you do not have the illness at all to stop you from feeling awkward about it.
Although those are well-meaning thoughts, the lack of self-esteem may enable you to think that your partner is not asking anything because they do not care. However, with that in mind, you cannot fathom that the stress that emanates from such an assumption is enough to worsen the disease. It can, in fact, enable your significant other to drift off, too, if you continue assuming like that instead of communicating with him directly.
Bingeing gives a temporary high or feeling of “comfort” or respite from long-term distress and unhappiness. — Jennifer Rollin MSW, LCSW-C
- Old Issues May Re-Surface
Learning about the disorder may cause the fellow without a medical condition to bring forth many questions regarding the past. For instance, why did you end up in that situation? Who or what forced you to resort to binge-eating or excessive dieting?
To someone who still has the illness, it may be difficult to answer such queries. Moreover, if the special someone cannot take a hint and keeps on prodding for enlightenment, two things may come out of it: you will remove the lid off your buried issues or choose to conceal them for as long as possible. For sure, you are aware that only the former will give you a happily ever after with that person.
- The Secrecy Might Put A Dent On Your Relationship
Last but not least, it is terrible if the ill half of the couple hides the truth from their better half. No one will feel great after finding out that you are keeping secrets from him in spite of how much love he has for you.
In a tired and hungry state, your judgment is impaired and impulsivity increases. In an attempt to rebalance the lack of food, you’re vulnerable to going overboard, compensating for the profound dip in blood sugar and depleted energy. — Lisa Ferentz LCSW-C, DAPA
Forget about the thought of protecting the love of your life from the harshness of reality. You can see even in the movies that the decision – or lack thereof – often leads to conflicts between the main characters. In real life, it may cause a permanent dent in your amorous relationship since it is unfair to your loved one.