Dina,

I am glad I could help.

So perhaps her worries really do stem from having the help she needs. After all, you mention you live 6 hours away. So really, now that you mention what CFS feels like, I can imagine she would be concerned with not being able to keep up on the days on which she feels drained. Supplying a cafe would require consistency and dedication in terms of the deliveries and therefore it would make sense that she needs a partner, someone to help her when she is unable to do it herself.

I can also imagine that dealing with the social aspect of it all would also be very taxing on her body and energy. Anxiety, like Anita mentioned produces physical symptoms.

I now understand why you are so concerned with being supportive of your sister, after reading about your father having been suicidal. It is only natural that since your parents are not who they once were that you want your sister to not have to struggle or get to that point. I admire the efforts you are making to help your sister.

Now, when it comes to not hurting yourself when it comes to be supportive. I can understand why it would hurt, especially since you mentioned not being able to talk to her on an equal level until recently. It is hard to see someone not take you seriously, or to not act on your ideas. However, don’t take it as something against you as a person. I’m sure she doesn’t look down on you. Just the opposite, she needs you, your parents are not who they are and you and your siblings are the only ones who can really understand CFS. You are her support system, even when you are away. Don’t be discouraged if the whole cafe idea doesn’t pan out. Simply email her, text her, talk to her on the phone, even on the worst days I am sure she will be glad she can count on you.