Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Is it easy to find a partner and/or maintain relationship when you have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?

People with experience in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity give their opinion on whether it is easy or not to have a partner or to maintain a realationship when you are diagnosed of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. What are the possible difficulties in having a relationship?

Is it easy to find a partner and/or maintain a relationship when you have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a condition in which individuals experience adverse reactions to various chemicals and environmental triggers. Living with MCS can present unique challenges, including difficulties in finding and maintaining relationships. However, it is important to note that each person's experience with MCS is different, and while it may pose some obstacles, it does not necessarily make it impossible to find a partner or have a fulfilling relationship.

Finding a Partner:

When it comes to finding a partner, having MCS may require some additional considerations. It is crucial to find someone who is understanding, supportive, and willing to make accommodations to ensure your well-being. Here are a few strategies that may help:

Open Communication: Be open and honest about your condition from the beginning. This will help potential partners understand your needs and limitations.

Seek Supportive Communities: Look for communities, both online and offline, that cater to individuals with MCS. These communities can provide a platform to connect with like-minded individuals who may better understand your experiences.

Shared Interests: Focus on finding partners who share similar interests and values. This can help create a stronger foundation for a relationship and increase the likelihood of understanding and support.

Patience: Finding the right partner may take time, and it is important to be patient. Don't settle for someone who does not respect or understand your condition.

Maintaining a Relationship:

Once you have found a partner, maintaining a relationship with MCS requires ongoing communication, understanding, and compromise. Here are some tips to help:

Education: Educate your partner about MCS, its symptoms, and triggers. This will help them understand the challenges you face and how they can support you.

Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries regarding chemical exposure in your shared living spaces. This may involve using fragrance-free products, avoiding certain cleaning agents, or implementing air filtration systems.

Supportive Environment: Create a supportive environment where both partners can openly discuss concerns and find solutions together. This will foster a sense of teamwork and strengthen the relationship.

Adaptability: Be willing to adapt and make compromises. Your partner may need to make adjustments to their lifestyle or habits to accommodate your needs, and you should also be open to finding middle ground.

Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking professional help, such as couples therapy, to navigate any challenges that may arise due to MCS. A therapist can provide guidance and support to both partners.

Conclusion:

While having Multiple Chemical Sensitivity may present some challenges in finding and maintaining relationships, it is not impossible. Open communication, understanding, and finding a supportive partner are key factors in building a successful relationship. By being patient, educating your partner, and creating a supportive environment, it is possible to find love and maintain a fulfilling relationship even with MCS.

by Diseasemaps

It is very difficult for a person with MCS to find or maintain relationships. There are many limitations in the lifestyle and environment necessary in order for sufferers to be able to function. These limitations are rarely fully understood by those who have not suffered from MCS. The best way to stay connected and create new relationships is through support groups.

10/26/17 by Paul 3000

Its difficult to maintain relationships when you have MCS. Its more difficult to find a partner. Not impossible, but difficult. The statistic for marriages ending in divorce when one partner gets MCS are 98%. Its very difficult for the "normal" partner to understand, or live within the framework of, that which they can't perceive. The same applies to friends and family. As a hypersensitive, you ask them not to wear fragrance, they think they aren't if they just don't re-apply. They can't perceive the fragrance that is still in their clothes, coat, car, and purse that they contaminated themselves, and now you with. It makes for hostile feelings on both sides. It becomes too burdensome for the normals to want to do what it takes to be around you safely. As for partners... Everybodies chemical sensitivities are different. What triggers one, may or may not, trigger another. As an example: I'm o.k. With animals. Many of my hypersensitive friends aren't. I can't do any toxic substances. Some of my friends its just specific classes of chemicals. Finding a partner who has similar sensitivities as you may be extremely difficult. The other thing is, you may not be able to have sex. Body fluids carry toxins. Exchanging body fluids can cause severe reactions in one or both partners.

10/27/17 by JLMcK 5550

No. Then again it's difficult for anyone with a serious disability to be understood and time consuming to be cared for Daily.

10/31/17 by Diane 600

Hard.

4/12/18 by needinfo&help 1500

This can be problematic as the illness is difficult to understand for those who have no similar life experience.

1/6/19 by Cindi 3050

No it is not. Nor is it easy to maintain relationships with the family. And keeping friends. Even when they believe you and don't think you are mad they are still surprised at the extent of the intolerance to almost everything.

4/1/19 by Susan 2500

It is very difficult to find a partner who is kind and understanding of this horrific illness. We can only hope...

6/4/19 by Heather 3000

Its extremely difficult. It kills social life. People question your mind, not their chemical use. It is isolating.

7/29/19 by MCSzombie 6220

Yes it is easy to find a partner with MCS, there are no boundaries. If a person wants to be with you they will, don’t think too much into it, there are stigmas attached to every label, love is love remember.

8/22/19 by Carmen Rosemarie 2550

Yes difficult. ITs like telling someone who is color blind not to wear blue

11/18/19 by Angie P. 5000

That depends on your partner.

12/12/19 by Joanna 6200

NO, from my research and what I have read on facebook people find ANY relationship difficult or non existant. I have been blessed abundantly with a partner that understand the condition and goes beyond to assist in making my life a more bearable .

1/30/20 by Noeleen 2500

All relationships become difficult when you have MCS. Many people discover they do not have caring partners -- but this is true of most people who find out they have a chronic illness -- and relationships do sometimes end. A caring, respectful and compliant partner is really important. It is better to be alone than in an uncaring, disrespectful and non-compliant relationship. Don't be afraid to be alone. The person who truly loves and cares for you WILL BE RESPECTFUL AND COMPLIANT. These people DO exist!!!

9/27/20 by Rebecca St. Martin 3570

Unfortunately its extremely difficult. Before I knew I had mcs and my body was just angry a lot, I lost my partner of 3 and a half years. I was fortunate as I met a fantastic man before my tilt, and he was a minimal frag user. He has been my greatest supporter

11/12/20 by shelley 3650

Many relationships end because of the parners inability to adjust and it is difficult to initiate a new romance as others do not understand nor want to make accommodating lifestyle changes.

7/24/21 by Serenity 2500

Yes, MCS would absolutely make it more difficult to find a partner or maintain a relationship due to severe lifestyle limitations (cannot use fragrances or other toxic products or go places/be around people where toxic chemicals are used). Certain foods must often be avoided. It is extremely limiting and people who don't have MCS may not want to live a lifestyle with such severe restrictions. My advice is to be honest and communicate openly with any potential or current partners regarding your health and your needs.

11/11/21 by kola05 2620

It's not easy, but most. definitly. I have had many partners and will continue to have them. Just be open and inform them.

11/3/22 by Eduardo 1700

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no, it is very difficult to maintain, and having a new partner is hard because of the isolation in which you find yourself

6/11/17 by Esther. Translated

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No. it is very complicated for the body odor and when you come from the outside. I think that a couple has to be very difficult to live each day with that.

9/9/17 by Karma. Translated

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In my case I know that is not easy for my husband, who indirectly suffers from the isolation, but does not seem to me a sufficient factor to end a relationship if it is solid. And if it happens is that the person is not worthwhile, that is what I tell myself with family and friends.

9/10/17 by Pilar. Translated

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