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Joking. It’s a great habit to get into. Be forewarned that you’re not going to want to joke with someone who’s chronically ill about their illness. That’s just insensitive and at least for me would make me go on the defensive (most of the time at least). That is unless you know the person really well. Take my dad for instance. He’s funny and he knows when to joke and when to stop. The other day I splashed lime juice in my eye and he was like “Quick, rinse it out else you might get Lyme disease!” That was great and added humor to my day.

Which brings me to the next point. If you’re going to be sick for the next half a decade (not that it’s your choice!) then you need to have a good sense of humor, or be willing to find one. Same thing goes for anyone who has a friend who’s got some kind of chronic illness.

Pretty much, don’t take life too seriously. Don’t take being sick too seriously. I mean, do all you can to get better, but don’t flare up if someone says the wrong thing. People aren’t going to understand all the time. They’re not going to get it. Instead of getting unhappy with the well meaning lady who nods sympathetically and says something like “Oh my, I can totally understand what you’re going through. One time I had a cold and it just hung on and on. I was sick with it for three weeks!” *Gasp* Realize that they really are trying to help and don’t get hung up on the logistics of it. So, find small, fun ways to make your life better. Really, a cheerful heart does do good like medicine!