"In Sickness and Sarcasm: Keeping Romance Alive"
- Jennifer Tollefsrud
- Nov 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 15, 2024
Ah, relationships—the age-old conundrum of how two people can blissfully coexist without wanting to strangle each other over toothpaste caps and forgotten laundry. Sprinkle in a dash of chronic illness or autoimmune disease, and voila! You've got yourself a recipe for a dark comedy (my favorite!). And by comedy I mean a comedy of errors that's as unpredictable as a toddler on a sugar high.
Date Nights: The Ultimate Test of Flexibility
Who doesn't love a romantic dinner at that fancy new restaurant? Well, maybe your partner's immune system. Planning a night out becomes an Olympic-level challenge of finding a place that doesn’t serve their new mortal enemy—gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, legumes, air, or sunlight. But hey, nothing says romance like a picnic in your living room because everything edible is suddenly their arch-nemesis!
The ‘In Sickness and in Health’ Clause
Sure, you vowed it, but nobody said it wouldn’t come with a side of biting sarcasm...at least with me, that's what you get. Every flare-up of illness is an opportunity to prove your undying love, complete with bedside readings of “How to Make Bone Broth” and the ever-romantic Netflix series marathons because leaving the house is so overrated. We are the masters of Netflix and chill!
The Rx 'Treasure Hunt’
Ah, the shared joy of decoding doctor’s handwriting and the weekly scavenger hunt for misplaced meds! There's nothing quite like bonding over the search for that one elusive prescription bottle that always seems to walk off on its own. Who knew chronic illness could turn your home into an escape room? "Do you know where I put my thyroid pills???"
When Everyday is a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Story
One minute you’re planning a hiking trip, the next you're googling “nearest bathroom” or “non-heat-exhaustion activities.” But who needs a predictable routine when spontaneity is a core feature of your relationship? The thrill of wondering whether today will be a good day or a hospital day really keeps things fresh. Maybe, just for fun... someone will cross contaminate your food at a family gathering and your throat will start to close up. Score! You get to leave early AND go to the hospital!
The Ever-Changing Culinary Landscape
Just when you’ve perfected that gluten-free, dairy-free, taste-free loaf your partner swears is “just like real bread,” their body decides that quinoa is out and lentils are in. It’s a bit like being on a cookery version of a reality show, just without the glamorous judges or million-dollar prize. Seriously, I prefer The Great British Bake Off...way more entertaining than my culinary feats.
In all seriousness, maintaining a relationship when one partner has a chronic illness requires patience, understanding, and more humor than you'd think possible. It's an ongoing journey of love, adaptation, and unwavering support. So laugh together, embrace each unpredictable day, and cherish the unique bond you share. Because, despite the challenges—or perhaps because of them—there’s no denying that love truly is the best medicine.
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