Question #29

29. Tell us about a friendship you lost or a relationship that changed for the worse because of infertility.

Shannon:

I haven't lost or worsened any friendships or relationships. I don't have that many friends anyway, and the ones I do are kind enough to listen and sympathize. Any issues I had with family members due to their fertility success vs my infertility was resolved afterwards.

Steph:

None of my friendships really changed for the worst... Everyone that has done or said anything to get to me is family so I'm stuck with them lol

Ashley:
My relationships have grown with different people in different ways. I'd say for those people who are interested and empathize those relationships have grown. Those friends who just think I need to relax or that it will come in time (like its not a big deal and don't have any clue about the emotions and toll it takes on us) I've become a little more distant or tend to pull away but not significant way.
Three relationships that stand out:
1. My sister (only sibling): we told her and her husband Nov. 2010, she got pregnant Sept. 2011, since she's been pregnant I feel like its hard for her and hard for me so she's cautious what she says around me for the most part, but its because she's being courteous. We've never had the closest relationship but I have been hoping for a long time when she got pregnant that would strengthen our relationship (because I've always wanted to be pregnant she has not) but because I'm struggling with this, it hasn't changed our relationship much. I do have more respect for her now because of the way she's handled things through this time.
2. Friend: She found out she was pregnant right when I was diagnosed. She believes it will happen to us, we just need to relax and it will come in time. (when she's probably going to get pregnant with her second child soon) When we get together with a group she always seems to say stuff about it that makes me resent her. She is a little self absorbed.
3. My Grandmother: She is a person who is sweet and carrying but also wrapped up in herself. Since we've told her she has been a total different person than I've ever known. She truly empathizes for us, prays for us and thinks of us daily. She has been so thoughtful I just am amazed, and it has made our relationship grow immensely.