So, I’ve been struggling with my health for the past 7 years. More recently my digestive health. Last year I had my gall bladder removed and was swollen and bloated for a while. I work in HR and had gone back to work almost immediately after the surgery. I had just wrapped up an interview and as I was walking the applicant out he turns and notices my hand on my abdomen. He blurts our “oh congratulations!” I stared at him confused and paused for a second before asking “I’m sorry what?” He then repeated “congratulations on your pregnancy!” I had to turn to him and say “I’m sorry, I’m not pregnant. I just had abdominal surgery and pressure helps with the pain.” I bet he felt like an idiot.

Flash forward to this past Friday. I was at a job fair and I’ve recently been diagnosed with a ruptured ovarian cyst so my body is still healing and what not. This woman, another employer I might add, came up to me and said the same thing. I just about balled my eyes out in front of her but had to say calmly, “I’m sorry, I’m not pregnant . I’m sick.” She then apologizes and asked why I was working the job fair if I was sick. I don’t think people understand how rude it is to blurt that and assume someone is pregnant. Also hate how people dont know about chronic illnesses... has this happened to anyone else? How did you react?