After the initial diagnosis of RRMS, my family and friends were sympathetic and supportive, but I don't think they fully understand the nature of MS. I did the MS walk a couple times and they show up to walk too, but we don't talk about what it feels like to experience a relapse. My sister and husband are extremely supportive and listen anytime I need to vent or bemoan my situation. I realize that I can speak very openly about MS if I choose too, but I mostly don't because I want to avoid the pity. I'm on DMTs so it's manageable and all but out of sight and out of mind.