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One of the things Kyle unfortunately has to deal with is Tourette’s. When he told me I thought that using the word tic was like using the “n” word- not ok and not allowed. He never implied this, it was my assumption but for some reason I came to that conclusion. When I would refer to his tics I would call it doing “his thing” which in hindsight is dismissive and invalidating. Because it’s not “his thing”, he doesn’t choose to tic and I should have not been so ableist (but I’m trying to learn). There are small one’s an outsider from our relationship would never notice and ones you wouldn’t miss when they happen. I will not describe his tics or go into detail about them because he’s not a thing to expose and show off for his “otherness”.

My biggest take away so far- use the proper language and call things what they are. Don’t invent words and call things something else because you’re afraid of the word. As I always reiterate, try not to be the asshole. Tics are different for everyone with Tourette’s, some are verbal some are motor, some are noticeable and some are only known to the person having them. But the bottom line is that they are called tics, not “things” not “behaviors” or whatever other word you think you should use to be PC. I don’t like when people call me crazy because I have mental health struggles. I prefer people to use proper language and I would assume anyone else dealing with whatever else would also want the same. We all have vocabulary we prefer when it comes to the things we deal with. But just know, tic is not a bad word, it’s proper language. Not everyone who tics is walking around yelling things like FUCK MOTHERFUCKER FUCK FUCK FUCK. The media poorly portrays this condition so badly. Shows like Baylen Out Loud help, but more awareness needs to be brought to the subject about what tics are and what they can look like in different presentations. If you want to learn more from my perspective as a partner of someone with Tourette’s and have a respectful question or comment please drop it. If you’re going to make fun of this and be a piece of shit then you my friend can go fuck yourself.