Hear you .. it is sad that others perceived us as 'normal' - not knowing and/or understanding our invisible disabilities - hearing loss, difficulty in swallowing, speech slurring --- all these makes it difficult in mixing and mingling with friends, families, and social groups. In fact, since diagnosed with these late effects in mid-2020 - my lifestyle has taken on a complete U-Turn.
Even going to the store to look for an item - it's frustrating to ask for help, and it's just as frustrating for the service rep to assist when my speech is slurry and hard for her/her to fully get what I am looking for - and this is one of the many challenges of the late side effects of HNC treatment!
Am trying to adapt and take one day at a time - and just have to wait and see how it goes onwards!