1. Chronic Illness and Relationships 1

2. Not all relationships are romantic in nature. We’re talking about the relationships you have with your friends, family, your coworkers and acquaintances, your children, yourself, and even the health condition itself. This presentation offers up some topics you can talk about in your own online communities, blogs, and videos, and hopefully we can help one another better deal with chronic illness and relationships.

3. Relationships can be tough, but adding the management of a chronic illness to the mix can create a whole new challenge. 3

4. How do we, as people living with chronic illness, make sure that our relationships aren't defined by our conditions, but aren't in denial of them, either? 4

5. Chronic illness can be a challenge to manage on your own, and the support of friends and family can be crucial in achieving good mental and physical health. How do you advise someone who is new to their chronic illness, and is introducing it to their loved ones?

6. How about advice for people who have been living with their chronic condition for years, but are now introducing new romantic relationships to it?

7. What are the best things a person can do to help their loved ones accept their condition?

8. Are there things people do that are detrimental to the acceptance process?

9. Any advice for someone who is having trouble accepting their own condition, and having difficulty letting someone become close to them?

11. What do you wish your partner/loved ones would ask you?

13. Do you discuss your personal relationships with your readers and community members?

14. Do you think that your feelings about your own health impact how you share these emotions with others?