CHRONIC (ˈkränik/) adj:

1. (of an illness) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.

2. (of a person) having an illness persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.

3. (of a problem) long-lasting and difficult to eradicate.

For those of us suffering from chronic illness, whether it be asthma, IBD, RA, MS, diabetes, lupus, or any of chronic, reoccurring (read: never-ending) illness, things can be tough. This is especially true for those of us with loved ones who don't have a chronic illness--they want to help as much as possible, but it can be frustrating, as much of the time there simply isn't anything the can do.

1. "You look so tired!"

Yep, thanks for noticing that. Our bodies are constantly fighting, and many times we can't sleep through the night for various reasons.

2. "You've lost weight."

While this may be a complement for those actively trying to drop a few pounds, for those with chronic illness, this tends to be a sign that they're losing a battle at the moment.

3. And its evil cousin, "have you gained weight?"

Yeah, we're not friends anymore if you say this.

4. "Weren't you just sick?"

What part of chronic are you not understanding?

5. "Just follow this/that diet."

While avoiding some foods may help some, for the majority of those suffering from chronic illness, it does diddly squat. Stop pretending it does, especially when it's a fad diet.

6. "My cousin's uncle's ex-girlfriend's nephew has that."

Yes, because we all have the same circumstances, right?

7. "Have you tried XYZ holistic approach?"

See "Just follow this/that diet."

8. "You just gotta tough it out."

Wow! Now I'm magically cured! Thanks!!

9. "You're cancelling again?"

One of the worst things you can do as the friend/loved one/family member of someone with a chronic illness is make them feel bad about having it. They obviously don't feel up to doing whatever activity you had planned, please try to be understanding.

10. "Just relax."

Now I'm all better! How did you know that would work?

11. "You don't look sick."

If you ever say this to someone with a chronic illness, please feel free to reevaluate your friendship. Just because we may not look sick at the moment, definitely does not mean that we aren't sick.