I can provide some insights into this question based on the experiences of individuals with fibromyalgia.
Whether a person with fibromyalgia would prefer to hang out with someone else who has the condition or with someone who does not can vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances. Here are some considerations:
Hanging out with someone else who has fibromyalgia:
Empathy and Understanding: Another person with fibromyalgia might better understand the challenges and limitations that come with the condition. They could share similar experiences, and this mutual understanding can create a strong sense of empathy and support.
Shared Coping Strategies: People with fibromyalgia often develop unique coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms. Connecting with someone who shares these strategies can be helpful and validating.
Reduced Pressure: Being around someone with the same condition might eliminate the pressure to explain or justify symptoms, as they already understand what it's like.
Hanging out with someone who does not have fibromyalgia:
Diverse Perspectives: Interacting with someone who doesn't have fibromyalgia can provide a fresh perspective on life and different experiences.
Distraction and Fun: Engaging with friends or acquaintances who don't share the condition can offer opportunities for fun activities and distraction from the challenges of living with fibromyalgia.
Supportive Friends: Having supportive friends or family members who are understanding and accommodating can also be essential in helping individuals with fibromyalgia manage their condition effectively.
Ultimately, the choice of hanging out with someone who has fibromyalgia or someone who does not depends on the individual's personal preferences, the specific circumstances, and the nature of the relationship with the other person. Many individuals find value in both types of connections and may benefit from having a diverse social circle that includes people with similar experiences and others without the condition.