If any of these sound familiar, you know how exhausting this is.

It makes you clear your throat in public constantly. 

People stare.

They think you're contagious or sick.

And you can feel their judgment.

So you start avoiding places —gatherings, theatres, restaurants—because you know your coughing disrupts everyone.

You tell yourself it's fine.

It's just easier this way.

But then comes the hardest part.

Family dinners.

You can't avoid those forever.

You're sitting at the table. Everyone's eating.

Then it starts.

That tickle.

You try to hold it back, but you can't.

You cough.

Once. Twice. Three times.

You see them tense up.

No one makes eye contact.

Someone pushes their plate away slightly.

Someone else covers their mouth.

They think it's disgusting.

You excuse yourself to the bathroom.

The next time there's a gathering, you make an excuse not to go.

Family gathering? You're "not feeling well."

Holiday dinner? You're "too tired."

It's easier to not go than deal with the embarrassment.