Five things injured dancers want to hear

Building upon last injury's 'five things dancers are tired of hearing' post, here are five things injured dancers want to hear.

5. "Wanna hang out?"
Just because I'm injured doesn't mean I can't be social.  Offer us rides to grab dinner or dance class.  Come over and have a movie marathon while we're stuck on the couch.  Having friends around us gives us something to take our minds off the injury and helps the time pass faster!

4. "Hey look, you're off of crutches."
...Or out of your boot, walking with no braces, etc.  Noticing the little victories fills us injureds with such pride.  These 'little victories' are huge leaps up mountains to us.

3. You will be able to dance when you're healed.

Definitely from an authority like your doctor.

2. Short and sweet messages of inspiration.
It doesn't have to be the longest or most inspiring story.  A simple "You can do it" or "My heart goes out to you" can do wonders. (But please, saying 'You'll be better soon' may not be your best option.  See this article for why.)

1. You are healed and cleared to start dancing again.
Again, from an authority like your doctor.  There is nothing like being able to return to your passion.

Goals: Heal some more
Days till Os: 108

Five things injured dancers are tired of hearing

Here is a list of things I have heard from those lovely folks who have little to no knowledge of the dance world and the hazards they didn't know we face.  This is a joke and let's face it, we hear it all...

5. Heeeeeere comes Gimpy!
Or Crutches.  Sir Crutch-A-Lot.  Lame Leg.  My name has remained the same, and having walking aides does not change that.

4. The story of how your best friend's aunt's little sister's math teacher broke her ankle while skiing.
Humans need to feel connected to everything I suppose, and although telling me stories of how people were injured and healed up should make me feel optimistic, but how is this relevant?

3. Does it hurt?
Take a second and think before asking.  If it didn't hurt, I don't think I'd have a cast and crutches.

2. I am just SO sorry!
I know you just want me to feel better, and I know you think sympathy is the answer, but there is no reason you should be apologizing.  My injury is not your fault.  I will be back to my normal life in a few months after lots of dedication and hard work.

1. Oh. My. Gosh. What happened to you?!
There are two ways to explain this.  I could tell someone that I completely tore my antertior talofibular ligament and partially tore my calcaneofibular and deltoid ligaments in my ankle by doing a plushenko during the drill portion of my weekly Irish dance class.  It is usually way simpler to say, "I'm a dancer and I had a bad landing," and avoid the awkward stares and quizzical looks before the subject is promptly changed.  I almost need a sign for the amount of times I have been asked.

Goals: Heal up