I’ve been chronically ill with several invisible illnesses since my teens. I’m in my 40’s now. Most of that time was without a solid diagnosis or treatment. I endured a lot of gaslighting and claims from family and friends that I was faking. However, I eventually found other friends, chosen family, and a partner who did not treat me that way.

It took a lot of hardship and a lot of time, but please don’t give up or let anyone make you feel that you are less than or that you don’t deserve love. People, especially when they are younger and haven’t endured any physical hardship, can be cruel. But not everyone is. When you find kindness, appreciation, and acceptance lean into it and show it to others as well.

Your experience is going to be different than many people your age, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be good. In a lot of ways, my partnership is healthier and more communicative than a lot of my peers. I attribute that to how differently we’ve had to work together and understand each other because of my illnesses.