It's My Problem, Not Theirs

I understand that it's often easier to put all of the onus on yourself with this condition, however, there is a disturbing trend that I've noticed in the misophonic community...

The belief that it's only your problem when you're in a serious relationship or marriage. What people don't seem to get is...misophonia is a neurological condition. That is, a medical condition that currently has no effective treatment. There is evidence that misophones have differences in brain structure from "the norm".

If you're married AND think that it's only your problem...did you forget the "in sickness and in health" vow? I'm not going to quote it all verbatim since vows vary from tradition to tradition, and some people create their own. But I'm pretty sure the sentiment is almost always expressed.

The point is...misophonia, being a neurological condition, is an illness. That means, your spouse is ipso facto obligated to find a solution and coping methods WITH you, not just leave you to deal with it alone because ...'hey, it's in YOUR brain, not theirs'.

I'm sorry, but I think that's a really dumb and unhelpful way of looking at it - this 'school of thought' that it's no one else's problem except the one who has it. I have to bite my tongue in the groups that I see this in, due to the rules, but I really have to fight the urge to confront that bullshit. I'm not big on confrontations anyway - hence one reason I opt for avoidance of the sounds/sights that bother me, yet I will in some cases.

As for a relationship, I think it depends on how serious it is.

If you've only been on a few dates or seeing each other for a short time...if they can't understand, show empathy, and refuse to compromise - then it might be better for both in the long run to let them go before you get too attached.

But if you live together, then it's more serious and complicated. In this case, if the partner knew about the issue before taking that big step of moving in, then they need accept that it is their problem too now, albeit on a different level. If they refuse to work with you on it, can't compromise, can't empathize...it's probably not wise to take the next big step and tie the knot.

Unless you're both masochists...