Another birthday, 53 today and I am keeping to myself to avoid a lot of conversations about my MS from friends that don't understand how MS works. Also I have had a problem with anxiety for a while now. I rarely leave my house and very seldom see people other than my wife and family. I just don't enjoy crowds anymore which is odd considering my past. I don't like birthday parties because I had rather have one on one time with someone to give my full attention to that person. Mingling is a feeling of cutting conversation short to move on to the next person so that you make time for everyone it seems. It has always felt like a tàsk to me and unnaturally forced. Does anyone else feel that way? I don't want anyone to feel ignored and some people require more attention than others. I guess I just don't want to let anyone down. So today I am going to focus on myself and my MS brothers and sisters. A familiar escape to people that understand the stress of a day like this that has become something different over the years for me. I hope everyone has a great day and feels some relief today. Chris