I open my messages to find yet another note from a mom I’ve seen sporadically at school events. It begins with a cheery, “Hey there, friend!” and quickly transitions to, “I recall you mentioning you have type 1 diabetes.” Then comes the too-good-to-be-true pitch: she can help me achieve optimal health and miraculously eliminate my diabetes! Can she swing by later with some samples? Spoiler alert: unless she’s offering me a brand-new pancreas, I’m not biting.
With a sigh, I roll my eyes. Over the years, her attempts to ‘heal’ my chronic illness have become painfully predictable. Without my consent, I’ve been added to Facebook groups and online parties. It’s usually a woman, lacking any medical credentials, who claims to possess the magical solution to my health issues. Sadly, these approaches are damaging friendships with people like me, and when they inevitably leave their MLM—like so many do—they’ll find it hard to rebuild those connections.
I’m all for women pursuing their passions. If a woman finds success with her MLM, gaining financial independence and new friendships, that’s fantastic! I genuinely cheer her on. But I’m not interested in joining her team or being her test subject; my health decisions are best left between me and my healthcare professionals.
Recently, I came across a post from a mom in a social media group. She was visibly upset, admitting she had become entangled in an MLM, seduced by the promise of earning thousands from home. She had reached out to every friend she knew, promoting the miraculous products she was selling. She thought she could support her baby financially while avoiding childcare costs.
She later confessed it was a monumental mistake. She lost many friends just when she needed them the most, exploiting previously solid relationships in her quest for profit. Her question lingered: Can she repair those friendships?
Many women responded, some even involved in MLMs themselves, reassuring her that everything would be fine. One suggested that maybe her choice of MLM was wrong, but the one she represented was amazing. Maybe she should join her team instead! (Cue the eye roll.) Even in a discussion about the pitfalls of MLMs, someone had to pitch their products to a struggling mom.
Where does it end? Is it possible to participate in an MLM without capitalizing on friendships? It’s disheartening to feel as though friends are scanning my posts for opportunities to profit from my health challenges. It makes being honest difficult and breeds mistrust. The ultimate betrayal is trying to turn my struggles into their income. I’m also concerned that some unsuspecting individuals are taking medical advice from acquaintances rather than consulting legitimate healthcare experts, which is downright frightening.
Alongside managing an autoimmune illness, I’m raising four kids, two of whom have special needs. I’ve had a few so-called friends reach out with offers of help. Apparently, essential oils, gummies, and shakes can cure everything from ADHD to sensory processing disorder. Who knew? I’ve learned to respond with “No, thanks,” but some didn’t take the hint and only became more persistent.
Some have sent me articles filled with dubious “facts” about how their products can cure major health issues. Others promised that if I just tried their products for a month, I’d be transformed. Each exaggerated claim drives me further away—not only from the products but from the friends pushing them.
I simply don’t have the time, energy, or funds for pseudo-scientific remedies. If a friend naively joined an MLM hoping for financial success, that’s one thing. If she came to me sincerely apologizing for misusing our friendship, I could forgive and move on. We all have moments of desperation, and an MLM can seem like a shiny opportunity. Unfortunately, many women fail to follow the example of the mom in the social media group who is genuinely trying to make amends.
Those who don’t realize the harm they inflict on their friends by constantly soliciting them for money are missing out on incredible friendships. It’s truly their loss. The rest of us are just trying to navigate our busy lives while cherishing genuine connections with those who understand our struggles.
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In summary, while MLMs might seem like a tempting venture for some, they often strain friendships and exploit trust. It’s essential for women to recognize the impact of their choices on those around them, valuing genuine relationships over profit.
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