I can relate.
The 7 types of friends you have when you’re sick.
posted in
Being Sick,
Life by
toughtriciabravebitch
In my experience, there are 7 types of friends you have when you’re sick.
1. The One in Denial
This person just can’t accept that you are sick. They may have even forgotten. “What do you mean you can’t eat that? What do you mean you can’t do that?” They don’t even try to understand. They dismiss your symptoms and may even make fun of you. Try to limit the time you spend with these people. They may never “get it”.
2. The “Pusher”
You are their project. You are their charity case. They want to “help” you but they want to help you in the way that THEY think will help. They may be pushing a new diet or treatment on you. Their efforts come from a good place but are influenced by their own agenda. Sometimes they just need a reminder of what YOU need to realize that this isn’t about them.
3. The Awkward Friend
They don’t know what to say. They don’t know what to do. Everything they say just comes out sounding really awkward. That’s OK though, because they really care and they are trying to understand what you are going through. They aren’t bad friends- they just want to help and just don’t know what to do. I’d rather have 10 of these than any of the “Pushers” or “Denials”.
4. The Compassionate Friend
They may be your spouse or significant other, best friend, parent or sibling. Their heart breaks to see you ill. They would do anything to take your sickness away. They are patient and good listeners. They understand what you are going through as much as they possibly can. These people are hard to find. I hope you have at least one of these and don’t ever let them go.
5. The Sick Friend
They know exactly what you are going through and you don’t even have to explain what
spoons are! They may have different symptoms or a different disease but they know how it feels to fight every day. You want to support each other but you are both busy being sick! But thats OK because you both totally understand! Still, it’s nice to know that you are not alone
6. The Healthy/Active Friend
They might be naturally healthy or maybe they work really hard at it. Maybe they run marathons and go to the gym everyday. They might be that friend in yoga class that shows off and competes with other classmates. Maybe they work 60 hours a week , eat whatever they want and are weekend warriors – all without consequences. They might be awesome people but it’s difficult to find common ground.
7. The Complainer
They make poor life choices and don’t want to take responsibility for them. They have preventable injuries or health conditions and complain about them incessantly . They just want to vent about their “first world problems” ALL THE TIME. They hear about your diet and lifestyle and say “I could never do that” (like it’s a choice?) and then go back to complaining. This is another type of friend that I find it difficult to relate to.
Your relationships change when you get sick. Your relationships change because you change. You may go through a mourning period as you mourn your old life and all of the things you used to be able to do. Keep in mind that your friends and family might be going through a mourning period as well. They are mourning the friend they used to have, the things you used to do together and the experiences you shared.
You may find a blend of these 7 types among your friends, family and co-workers. I hope you can “weed out” or limit the time you spend with the toxic ones.
If a friend of yours gets sick – what kind of friend are you going to be?