I have found that, for some seemingly strange reason, I have become more discreet lately about who I choose to reveal myself to.

I don't normally keep my diabetes hidden, as I've written about several times. But in the last week or so I've realized that while I don't mind shooting up in public, others might mind seeing me. That, and I often feel like I just don't want to talk about it; just eat my meal and be done with it. Not to mention that sometimes I just want to be a normal person and not a teacher.

So I was a little surprised at myself when I went to my niece's first-birthday party two weeks ago. I had just received a package of handmade buttons that say "Cure Diabetes" from a friend. I started proudly wearing them around the office right away. But everyone at work already knew about my diabetes, so it wasn't like it was news to them. My brother and his wife have quite a few friends, and more than 40 adults were to be at this party. Wearing one of the buttons would allow me to silently advertise my platform. I had hoped, too, that some of the people--at least those who I knew from childhood--would ask me about the button. I suppose I was up for a little education that night.

It was freezing that day and I wore my down coat inside and kept it on for a minute to warm up. As I was about to take it off, I remembered the button I had carefully chosen and attached to my plain, red shirt. Feeling butterflies in my stomach and my face turning a little flush, I considered taking the button off. That many people were quite a lot to out myself to in such a short period of time. I sucked it up, took off my coat and tackled the party.

And would you believe no one said anything to me. Not one person. As I drove home, I wondered why I had even bothered. I guess advocacy can't be something you do quietly.